B. Envy.
of our hearts, being altogether set upon sin, we are far more wretched than any other creature; and also that of ourselves, we do not have any sufficiency for doing the least and smallest duty of the basest calling in the world. For of ourselves, we are not sufficient to think one good thought, much less to perform one good duty that is acceptable to God, in any calling whatsoever. And therefore we must consider with ourselves that in our particular callings, we are but weak instruments in the hand of the Lord, who is the principal worker and agent. These and like meditations might move us to contentment in the calling in which God has placed us.
B. Envy. The second impediment to Constancy is Envy, which is a pining away of the heart when we see others placed in better callings and conditions than ourselves. This is a common sin, and it is the cause of great dissension in the Commonwealth. It is one of 57 policies that in a Commonwealth it is necessary for men of various degrees and callings to envy and malign each other.
But contrariwise, it is indeed a manifest hindrance to constancy in good duties, and hurtful to both Church and Commonwealth. And to better redress this fault, we are to consider that the greatest callings are not ordained to maintain pride, or for the private benefit of men, but for the common good. Secondly, those who are placed in the greatest callings have the greatest charges, and therefore they are to give the greatest account to God.Luk 12.48
Machiavelli's
C. Impatience. The third impediment to Constancy is Impatience, which is a disquiet of mind arising from the continual troubles that are incident to all callings, especially when men are not able to bear them, nor brook the injuries that are commonly done to them in word or deed. This very sin makes many a man leave his place. Those who go to sea for their delight, choose fair and calm days. Afterward, being sick, indeed tossed by wind and weather, and in some danger of losing their lives, they wish themselves on land again. They are grieved that they ever came onboard ship, professing that if they make it back to land, they will never go to sea anymore.
It fares even so with many men, both in the Church and the Commonwealth, that they take a liking to this or that calling; they enter into it hoping for pleasure, wealth, and the approval of men.
Then afterward, upon finding themselves disappointed in their expectation, and having to walk in their callings with many troubles and discomforts, they become impatient, and either do indeed, or greatly wish to, leave their callings.
Now, to remedy this vice, we must resolve to go on doing the duties of our callings, to go through to the end despite all crosses or 58 that may befall us in any way — arming ourselves with all fit and necessary patience. Thus Christ commanded his disciples to possess their souls with patience.Luk 21.19 And Paul charges the Philippians to let their patient and equal minds be known to all calamities 59 The Surgeon who is to cut his patient, goes on to launch and work his cure, however much his patient cries: so must we in our particular callings go on with courage and constancy, to do the works of it for the glory of God and the good of men, even though there are ever so many causes and impediments to hinder us. And as Paul says, to pass through good report and bad report, through shame and rebuke.2Cor 6.8 men.
And that we may thus constantly proceed in all good duties, with all patience, we must often remember that the duties of any lawful calling, however lowly, are accepted and approved by God. Our
Savior Christ himself complains in this way: I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength in vain (Isa 49.4). Here we see the little success that the Head and perfect Doctor of the Church had in his calling; but let us see how he comforts himself. Surely in this way, in the words that follow: But my work is with my God — that is, however men do not submit to my doctrine, yet my Father approves it. It was a thing that troubled Paul, that his labor in the ministry did not turn to the good of all, but it was to some the savor of death unto death.2Cor 2.16 Yet he comforts himself with this, that always to God it was a sweet smelling savor; and by the same consideration of God's