The Tradesman's Calling by Richard Steele (Modern, Updated Translation)

Book Summary

Originally published in 1675 by Puritan minister Richard Steele, The Tradesman’s Calling is an English work on the ethics of business and daily work from a Christian perspective. This modernized edition makes Steele’s timeless wisdom accessible to today’s readers while staying faithful to the original text.

Steele writes specifically to merchants, shopkeepers, craftsmen, and anyone earning a living through trade—people who spend the majority of their waking hours in the marketplace. He insists that work is not a necessary evil or a mere means of survival, but a divine calling from God, second only to the universal call to faith and salvation.

Core Message

Your trade is your God-appointed station in life. It is to be pursued with diligence and integrity, not just for personal gain, but for the glory of God and the good of society. Morning and evening devotions are worthless if conscience sleeps during business hours.

Structure & Key Sections

• The Nature and Kinds of Callings
  Explains the difference between the general (spiritual) calling shared by all Christians and the particular (temporal) calling—your specific occupation—and why both come from God.
• The Necessity of a Calling
  Shows from Scripture, reason, and nature why every able person must work, and why idleness is both sinful and dangerous.
• Choosing and Entering a Calling
  Practical guidance on selecting a lawful, suitable, and useful trade, and how to begin it with the right motives and preparation.
• Managing a Calling Properly
  Six essential virtues for the Christian in business: Each section exposes common temptations (deceitful weights, false advertising, overcharging, neglect of family or worship, envy of richer competitors) and offers biblical remedies.
  • Prudence – wise planning and foresight
  • Diligence – wholehearted effort and use of time
  • Justice – fairness in every transaction
  • Truth and Honesty – plain and faithful speech
  • Contentment – peace with one’s station and income
  • Religiousness – keeping God at the center of all work
• Finishing a Calling
  When and how to leave a trade (retirement, disability, or death), with counsel on preparing wills and ending well.

Why It Still Matters
Steele provides a robust biblical framework for doing business with a clear conscience. He refuses to separate Sunday piety from Monday-to-Saturday practice, insisting that godliness is the true foundation of lasting success.

Compact, convicting, and deeply practical, The Tradesman’s Calling remains essential reading for any Christian who wants to honor God in the workplace and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” over their daily labor.

The Tradesman's Calling

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Book Preview (In Modern English)

The Letter to the Reader

Friendly Reader,

Writing books involves a lot of effort and trouble for some people. Unless motivated by opposition, profit, vanity, or similar reasons, it's a big task. Our age is so critical, if not judgmental. So it's appropriate that I explain this current effort. My goal is simply to guide the honest tradesman on the right path to heaven.

It's clear that vast numbers of people work in some trade or another. I thought providing some directions and cautions about their behavior in it would be a useful project. Surely a matter that takes up six out of seven parts of their time requires more rules. It also involves more cases of conscience than are covered in any existing book.

While others debate more doubtful points in doctrine or worship, my current role is to direct the mind and practice of the conscientious Christian in their daily work. That's where they certainly face the most temptations. Without God's grace, they fall into the most sins there. And that's where they need all the help that God or people can provide.

It's not enough to be devout in prayer in the morning and at night, and then let conscience sleep all day. No, those religious duties are only the means to gain the wisdom, faith, patience, self-denial, and integrity they'll need all day long. The tradesman faces more tests for these graces than most other people. They have the same corruption of nature to bias them and the same devil to tempt them as others do. But they also face more varied trials from the world than the studious scholar or the simple farmer.

There are countless cases of conscience that arise in a tradesman's work. Though this small book can't cover them all, I hope it will instruct and resolve the most important ones. Or at least it will establish principles and rules that, when faithfully applied to specific cases, will greatly help with direction.

So, after discussing the nature and kinds, the necessity, the choice, and the right entry into a calling in general, I will lay out the directions necessary for the Christian tradesman in their particular calling. I will point out the temptations they're liable to. And I'll add something about leaving or finishing their calling. Then I'll commit it all to the blessing of the Almighty, who alone can make this effort useful to people's souls. That's the sincere desire of,

May 12, 1684.

The unworthy instrument

Richard Steele.

Chapter 1: The Nature and Kinds of Callings

A calling is a kind of life to which God calls us. All Christians are called by God to know and believe in him, to love and serve him, and eventually to enjoy him fully. Besides this calling, and subordinate to it, God calls every man and woman as if by name to serve him in some specific role in this world. This serves both their own good and the common good.

This leads to the distinction between a general calling and a particular or personal calling. They could more clearly be called our spiritual calling and our temporal calling. But some particular callings, like that of ministers, deal with spiritual matters, even though they're distinct from our Christian calling.

Our general or spiritual calling is how God calls a person to believe and obey the gospel. Since it's revealed as a covenant of grace, it's called "Vocatio ad Foedus." When the word is accompanied by the Spirit, this is effectual calling, and it leads to salvation. As it says, "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling" (2 Tim. 1:9).

But here I'll discuss this no further, except to note why it's called our general calling. It's because this is common to all Christians. It requires the same duties from all, assures the same promises to all, and obliges all to the same conditions.

No one may take on any particular calling that's inconsistent with their general calling. In any case where duties compete, the particular must humbly give way to the general. Everyone should manage their temporal calling in subordination to their spiritual one. They must remember that, amid all their business, they are Christians.

A particular or temporal calling is a settled role in some specific work appointed by God, for our own good and the good of others. This is termed "Vocatio ad Vitae institutum, vel ad munus." Both the former and the latter are elegantly mentioned in one verse: "Let everyone remain in the same [earthly] calling in which they were called [by their heavenly calling]" (1 Cor. 7:20).

No one should think God likes them better or worse simply because of their outward calling. So let everyone contentedly stay in the same earthly calling, provided it's lawful, where their heavenly calling found them. In the description above, consider:

1.) The author of a particular calling, which is God. As the apostle says, "But as God has distributed to everyone, as the Lord has called everyone, so let them walk" (1 Cor. 7:17). That's certainly why these roles are named callings, because everyone must be called to them by God. He directs people to them, inclines them, and enables them for them. God calls people to them:

[a] Immediately by himself. He called Adam to be a farmer: "And the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it" (Gen. 2:15). He called Amos to be a prophet: "The Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel'" (Amos 7:15). He called Paul to be an apostle (Acts 9). But he rarely uses this method in these later days. Those who claim an immediate calling must show extraordinary gifts and qualifications. Otherwise, it's just conceit and delusion.

[b] God calls people mediately through instruments, such as parents, guardians, and in some cases magistrates. Through those who have a right, either by natural law or civil laws, to direct others, God truly calls to this or that role, as if he did it directly. Though the Lord God, who has sole right and authority over all his creatures, never transfers his ownership to anyone else, he does delegate parents and such superiors to act under him. They dispose of those under their care according to his will. And he approves all that they do properly in that regard. Besides this, there is also an inward call of God, which consists in abilities of body and mind, and inclinations. More on that later.

2.) The second thing in the description of a particular calling is its essence, which is a settled role in some specific work. It's not enough to do something occasionally. No one is so idle that they never do anything. But a calling is constant work that fills a person's time. And it must be their own proper business. We read of those who did not work at all, yet are called busybodies: "For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies" (2 Thess. 3:11). The apostle notes them as disorderly people. That is, they were busy meddlers in others' affairs but did not employ themselves in any constant business of their own. And he exhorts them "to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands" (1 Thess. 4:11).

The great governor of the world has appointed to everyone their proper post and province. Let them be never so active outside their sphere, they will be at a great loss if they do not keep their own vineyard and mind their own business.

3.) The third thing is the purpose of a particular calling. The immediate purpose is a person's own good: "Let such people eat their own bread, working quietly" (2 Thess. 3:12). A person's own bread tastes pleasant to an honest person, even if it's coarse. Yes, someone may aim to gain enough through their calling to live comfortably, to have something to live on and something to give. "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" (Eph. 4:28).

Another purpose is the common good. We are in this world like members in the body, where each must be useful for the whole. Each preserves itself, but with regard to the whole. So it's a brutish selfishness to aim for no one's good but our own. That proverbial saying is very unchristian if understood exclusively: Everyone for themselves. No, as the community needs you, so you need the community. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you'" (1 Cor. 12:21).

But the highest purpose of all, though not stated in the description, is the glory of God. For as all things are from him and through him, so the glory of all things must be aimed at and given to him: "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36). If the honest tradesman desires a sufficient estate, it's so they may live not for themselves but for the glory of God. If they get anything more, their aim is to educate their children so they may honor God. In short, as the most religious actions of a hypocrite, when traced to the end, aim at self, so the lowliest labors of a true Christian aim at the glory of God.

And that's enough for the description of a particular calling. The kinds of callings are varied by the different objects they deal with. For:

1.) Some are employed mainly about the soul, like schoolteachers, tutors in arts and sciences, and especially ministers. Though these are often poor trades, they are always rich callings.

2.) Some are employed only about the body, like physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, and all who depend on them. Though these often have good opportunities, if they also have hearts to suggest saving counsel to their patients' souls.

3.) Some callings are for people's subsistence, such as the farmer and the tradesman. The farmer's calling concerns the basics of human life, and the tradesman's the well-being of it. The substance and first elements of our food and clothing come to us through the care and labor of the farmer. The tradesman shapes and fits them for our immediate use and service.

4.) Some again are employed for people's delight and convenience, like music and various other arts, in which several trades also have some involvement.

5.) There are some callings that deal with the defense of people's bodies and property, such as soldiers and all roles related to military affairs.

And lastly, some are employed for the public peace and safety of humankind, like rulers and magistrates of all kinds and degrees. Their calling is also from God, for "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Rom. 13:1).

And here let us pause and consider:

1.) The folly of people in relation to what has been said: Of those who pay no attention to either their spiritual or temporal callings. As for their general Christian calling, they were born and raised in it, it's true, and so they profess it. If they had been born and educated under paganism or Islam, they would have followed those religions. For they have never searched into the foundations and reasons of Christianity. Nor do they study or apply themselves to the great duties of it. Their whole business is to please their appetites and promote their interests in this world. They wholly neglect the world to come.

A lively faith, sound repentance, constant holiness, self-denial, and genuine love to God and others, they are strangers to. Some of them could learn temperance, justice, patience, and friendship from heathens. They have only a form of godliness to support them, but meanwhile they deny its power. These same people are equally neglectful of any temporal calling. That is, they in no way promote the good of humankind. They have abilities but improve no knowledge with them. They have strength and health but use no skill or ability. They have talents but hide them in a napkin. Oh, how will these give an account to the judge of the living and the dead?

Do you think he will never reckon with you because he delays his coming? Or that he will be satisfied with the story of your background or education? You have abilities to ridicule religion and to do harm. You have strength enough to drink, to hunt, to fornicate. You are only wise to do evil, but to do good you have no knowledge.

Woe to you if you do not reform. You have a long debt, and he who is gracious, merciful, and slow to anger will by no means clear the guilty. Therefore, think about yourselves. Give yourselves time to consider what you have done for God, what for humankind, and what for your own souls. Upon serious reflection, you will find that you have been asleep all this time in a pleasant, foolish dream. It is high time to wake up to action and work. Who knows but that you may receive your wages, even if you come into the vineyard at the eleventh hour?

2.) Their folly is exposed here, those who neglect either of their callings. Perhaps they are very diligent in reading and hearing, in prayer and fasting. They run from one sermon to another all week long. But they do nothing in any particular calling. They serve God but do not serve their generation by the will of God, as David did: "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep" (Acts 13:36). And as they ought to do. These people live as if they were all soul and no body, or as if they were born only for themselves and for no one else.

If some of their ancestors had taken no more care of them than they do for posterity, they would have fasted out of necessity instead of choice. Against such people, holy Augustine wrote a whole book long ago. They are like secular monks and nuns who forget the old rule: "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2 Thess. 3:10).

On the other hand, there are far more who are very diligent in their worldly work. They rise early, stay up late, and eat the bread of anxiety, labor, and sorrow. But they clearly neglect the welfare of their souls and the care of the world to come. They make no effort to gain knowledge, faith, or holiness. They do no reading or hearing of God's word, or prayer, except what's merely superficial and customary. They are busy at the exchange at noon but sleepy in their prayers at night. They exhaust all their strength and energy in their shops and are quite heartless in their private rooms and families. They live as if they were all body and no soul, or as if after this short life there were not a far longer one to come. Yes, the very Sabbath, that sacred day of rest which should be a delight, is a burden to them. In their hearts they cry, When will it be over so we can get back to our worldly business?

Yes, on that very day, though the law keeps their hands from labor, their souls are filled with cares and plans about temporal things. But why do you separate those callings which God has joined? What blessing can you expect on an estate gained without godliness? Or what will it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your own souls?

You could work hard and pray hard too. You may gain enough in both worlds if you mind each in its place. But if you neglect the main one, God may justly, as he has often done, take away the earthly riches and lock up the heavenly ones from those who value not a grain of grace above a world of gold. Trust him who never deceived you, saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).

3.) Their folly is clear, those who do not respect the author of their callings, namely Almighty God. They do not seek his advice or care about his blessing. It's most certain that all people and things are governed by God's providence. There is nothing so great or so small that is not directed by it. Now if this is truly believed, surely it concerns all people in their important matters to turn to him, to consult his will, and to ask for his blessing. Otherwise, we neglect him, we make nothing of him, and he may justly neglect us and be unconcerned about our welfare.

Learn from Abraham's servant when he went about his master's son's matter. See how earnestly he asks for God's direction in that issue and how well he succeeded afterward (Gen. 24). Learn from Jacob when he set out into the world, how he prays and vows, and how the Lord blessed him greatly (Gen. 28). And that apostle who forbids anxious care in any matter commands that in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, we make our requests known to God (Phil. 4:6). How dare anyone then choose their calling without God's approval or rush into it without earnest prayer?

On the other hand, with what boldness and cheerfulness may someone proceed in their work when they can say that God himself called them to it? He will therefore stand by them and carry them through it. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Prov. 3:6).

4.) Their sin and folly is no less, those who mistake the purposes of their calling. They aim in it only at their wealth, ease, and honor, and not at the glory of God and the public good, as well as their own support. The purpose is what ennobles or debases any action. A right principle, rule, and purpose sanctifies every step and part of a person's life. But if any of these is missing, the thing is spoiled. Even if the calling is completely lawful, if you enter it with an eye only to self, you may get wealth and honor, but that's your reward. You proceed in it like prudent pagans, who may be as industrious, as rich, as just as you. But you do not show forth the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

The motto of Christians is: "None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Rom. 14:7-8). Those who live only for themselves live like beasts. Those who live for the public live like people. But those who live also for the Lord live like Christians. And such people will die to enjoy that Lord for whom they have lived.

2.) Behold the wisdom of God. And that:

1.) In the variety and kinds of callings, suited to the various needs of human life. Does a person have a soul? There's a calling provided and sanctified for its instruction and salvation. Do they have a body? There's a calling fitted for preserving and restoring its health. And then, their body must have food and clothing. How many callings are ready to prepare these? Some for the head, some for the hands, some for the feet. Almost every member has a calling to serve it. Some for necessity, some for delight, all for the comfort and welfare of humankind.

2.) The same wisdom in qualifying and inclining some to one role and some to another. One person will have a desire to travel, to bring in materials from abroad. Another will delight in working them up at home. This person will have a sharp mind, that one a skillful hand, another a strong arm. Skill in one, strength in another, prudence and care in a third, and all for the good of the whole. Just as it is in the natural body, the wise God has placed every part and organ in its proper position and fitted them for their functions. Each is at ease and content in its place. Even so in the body politic, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God shines forth in assigning to everyone their role. He qualifies and inclines some to one office and some to another for the general good of all.

His providence is remarkable in making people generally pleased with their various roles. As with homes, those who live in open country wonder how inhabitants of barren mountains can endure it. Those who live in sweet air admire how any can live comfortably among the marshes. Yet each person loves the place of their own birth and upbringing and sits content under their own roof. And as the lowliest parts of the human body quietly and readily perform their duties without discontent or envy toward the rest, so divine providence has wonderfully shaped the various minds of people. In this variety of callings, they choose and use what is most acceptable to themselves and useful to the whole. Any irregular and useless part of the body would be ashamed, if capable of shame, to attach to the body with no purpose. So should that man or woman be embarrassed who is not in some calling useful to their generation. This leads us to the second main point of discussion on this subject, which is the necessity of a calling.