of God renews their natures, limits their desires, and shews them a more durable, and substantial good, than the pleasures of time, or the acquisitions of honour or wealth can bestow, even the favour and enjoyment of his great and blessed self.

Let us consider some instances wherein the Tradesman is called to the exercise of this virtue of contentment. And,

1st. In cheerfully undergoing the inconveniencies and difficulties of his calling. There are some inconveniencies in a trading life in general; and indeed no condition in life is free from them. One is, that the Tradesman is subject to a dependance upon many persons. If it is a mechanic business, it usually depends on many masters; if it consists in commerce, on many workmen, and many customers; some fantastical, some penurious or imperious, others inconstant or idle: which are real exercises of patience to those employed in trade. Another inconvenience the Tradesman often meets with, is bad servants. These are idle, careless, unfaithful or vicious. No sooner is his back turned, but his business is neglected, his customers slighted, or his goods embezzled, and he loses more at home, than with all his care

he can get abroad. And then, the Tradesman's business usually lies among all sorts of men, from whom he meets with disappointment and falsehood in some, treachery and fraud in others. Besides these, there are particular inconveniencies that relate to several employments; some of which require hard labour; others continual care; sometimes being overdone with business, at other times having nothing to do. These things meeting with a discontented spirit, make it inwardly to broil, or outwardly to flame: and the man cries out, who would lead such a life? Never was man thus perplexed; this vexation is never to be endured; no man was ever such a slave; and the like. And seeing he cannot reform others, he torments himself, and can take no rest, and expatiates largely on the miseries of a trade.

But who art thou, O man, that thou shouldest think to be exempted from the common lot of mankind? Canst thou expect that a new world should be created to give thee satisfaction? Or that the tempers and manners of men should be changed, from what they always were? Why should we think to find men without infirmities, who are conscious of so many in ourselves? Or

hope to ride through the storms of life, without being tossed by its waves? Does it not better become us to possess our souls in patience, and resolve, that as we cannot make others better, we will be watchful that they do not make us worse, and increase the unavoidable difficulties of life, by fretfulness and impatience; to consider ourselves, as placed by divine providence, on this theatre of action, to exercise our wisdom, patience and humility, in order to prepare us for a better state, and make the enjoyment of it more delightful to us.

2. Let contentment be shewn in a thankful acknowledgment of the several advantages of your callings: for God hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him; that is, no just cause to complain of his proceedings. The Tradesman's calling, is usually more comfortable for the body, than that of many others. You have, for the most part, less toil than the husbandman, and less danger than the seaman or the soldier; and are not exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and other inconveniencies which many undergo, to support yourselves and families. You are seldom kept from sleep by the aches of

your bones in daily labour; nor will you be content with the fare and apparel of the poor labourer. You know best how it is within, but one may easily perceive by your outward appearance, that you have every way the advantage; and therefore should be contented and thankful. And then, your calling is more friendly to the mind. You have usually a more liberal education, than labouring persons; and are fixed early in life in families, and among persons where you have opportunities to cultivate and improve your understandings. In many trades there is time and leisure, wherein by reading and conversation, you may gain that wisdom and knowledge, which may adorn your minds, and capacitate you for more extensive usefulness, pleasure and happiness. You have generally greater advantages for your eternal interest than others. You are often placed where the word of GOD is preached; the sacred scripture, and other books of instruction put into your hands; the examples of religion and virtue before your eyes; and every help afforded you that can be desired, for the making you wiser and better. Whereas the situations of many others are very distant from the

means of knowledge, and very unfriendly to the aids of religion, either as to hearing or converse. And, for temporal advantages, yours far exceed the common lot of multitudes. If GoD is pleased to add his blessing to your diligence, you enjoy more of the comforts of life, and are capable of making better provision for your families when you die and leave them. If others can procure plain food and clothing, and a place to cover their heads; if they can teach their children to read and write, and then advance thern to some of your services, it is the highest of their ambition. And lastly, the Tradesman has often greater opportunities of doing good than many others; which is man's greatest honour and happiness, next to the beatific vision. You have the opportunity to educate and instruct those youths that are under your charge; and by counsel and example, to direct them in the paths of religion and virtue; whereby those principles and habits may be implanted in them, (through the grace of GoD) which may make them happy in future life, and blessings to all around them. In divers trades, many poor are employed; whose loins, by mercy and goodness, you may cause to bless you.