1. Search out what are the proper works of our own callings
And so much for a good entrance.
3. Good continuance in a calling.
The third main point to be considered is good continuance in a calling. This continuance consists in the constant practice of the duties and works of the same calling.
And two points must be considered in this.
I. FIRST, what are the works of our callings which must be done, and what are their marks?
II. The SECOND, in what manner they must be done (p. 766).
For the FIRST POINT, I. The works of our calling must have three qualifications.
1. They must be the proper works of our callings; 2. They must be profitable; and 3. They must be necessary.
28 But how will that be done? He answers, by minding our own business. And Peter gives the same rule: requiring that no man suffer as a busybody in other men's matters (1Pet 4.15). In both these passages, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must first of all, The first is Paul's rule, Live in peace (1Th 4.11).
1. Search out what are the PROPER works of our own callings, and then afterwards, do them. The husbandman must attend to husbandry, the Minister to preaching, etc. On this one point, sundry faults are opened that commonly occur in the lives of men —
Such as, first, when men look at the things of others, not regarding their own matters. We have an example in John 21.2122. Our Savior Christ said to Peter, "You follow me." Now Peter, little regarding his own duty, is compelled to ask in a kind of curiosity, what John must do. But our Savior Christ checks him, and says, "If I will that he tarries till I come, what is that to you?"
And this is the common fault of the world: men who lightly regard