Abstract :
The calvinist believed in a stern, demanding god. No magic, no sacraments, no communion, no acts of contrition would win his favor. In fact, there was no assurance that the calvinist could please God. However, if a believer devoted his life to hard work, success in that work might be interpreted as a sign of God s favor, although one could never be sure. Having eliminated idle enjoytment of wealth that a cardinal sin, the successful businessman were forced to reinvest the money in more business ventures as a way of serving God, and, indirectly, assuming themselves that God was pleased with their services.
