THe Prophet long since questioned with the Lord about the matter of his sermon , being commanded to goe ; agreeable vnto which , I often asked the Lord in secret , what I should vnfold vnto you at this present , before this venison was brought to my hand , to dresse for you . After the reiection of many , I contented my selfe with this Scripture , being a doctrine so necessary to be learned , and as yet , not of many ( if of any ) practised ; the want wherof only , is the cause , of all afflictions present , and of all to come , and alreadie threatned , for why is our Land ( a fruitfull Land in comparison of others ) barren ? for the sinnes of the people : for the which cause , that there may be no more complaining in our streets , I haue made speciall choice of this Scripture , which will not only , ( if we will yeeld thereto ) leade vs , to the cause of euils present , and further threatned , but wil direct vs , what course to take , to turne away the fierce wrath of the Lord , to cause his face , in fauour to shine vpon vs again , to continue it when we haue it , and of foes , to make vs friends with the Almightie , in whose hands , we are as nothing , and lesse then nothing ; and into whose hands , it is a fearfull thing , to fall ; much more , stil to blow , the coales and sparks of his wrath , alreadie kindled by our vngodlinesse .

And because I know this , nor any other direction wil be tasted of you , much lesse digested by you , except it bring gaine with it : he which cannot ( nor euer could ) lie , hath told you in these words , that this will bring in gaine , yea which is more , that it is gaine it selfe . For the vnfolding whereof , that you may haue it serued in , in seuerall dishes , and not altogether , set forth in parcels , not in grosse , that you may the better carue , and make choice of the same : obserue , how Paul was occasioned vnto these words , namely , by the esteeme & account , many teachers and professors , made of religion , and the doctrine of godlines , which was this , & no more , so far they esteemed it , as it would serue for their gaine , making godlines , to stoope to gaine , not gaine to godlines , and therfore , accounted gaine godlinesse . Vnto which carnall opinion , and estimation of theirs , Paul ( both for the encouragement of Timothie , to stick to the simple and plain doctrine of godlines in teaching , and the people in professing ) doth oppose himselfe , in these words , hereby , ironicallie correcting their iudgement , and teaching another doctrine , viz. That godlinesse is great gaine , making the same plaine , and vndeniably true , by setting out , the waiters vpon godlinesse , in the two last words , [ with sufficiencie . ] So that in this verse , are these two parts , first , a doctrine and positiue assertion , that godlinesse is gaine , yea great gaine . Secondly , the proofe of the same , which may be drawne into two reasons and arguments after this manes , ( the words [ with sufficiencie ] so translated according to the original , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . as Caluin hath done ) ( being referred , as well they may , both to the affection of the mind , and then the sense is according to the vsuall translation , Godlinesse is great gaine , because it maketh a man to be contented , counting that sufficient which he hath ; and to the thing it selfe , or matter of the doctrine , and then the sense is thus . Godlinesse is great gaine , because it alwaies hath sufficiencie following and attending it . ) I say , being thus vnderstood , as Caluin vnderstandeth them , they may be drawne into forme of reason thus .

That which doth make a man contented with that he hath , and to count that sufficient , be it more or lesse , is great gaine .

But godlinesse doth make a man contented with that he hath , and maketh him to count that sufficient , be it more or lesse .

Therefore godlinesse is great gaine .

In this reason the question is , whether godlinesse be great gaine , the answere is affirmitiuely , yea , the tertium , wherby the Apostle proueth this , is , Contentednes , because that is caused thereby .

Arg. 2. That which doth alwaies being sufficiencie with it , is great gaine .

But godlines doth alwaies being sufficiencie with it .

Therefore godlines is great gaine .

Before wee come to the words , wee must not omit what Paul offereth to our consideration , in making this vse of the carnall esteeme of godlines , expressed in these words , in the verse immediately praeceding , which is this .

Doct. Christians must not only reiect , and shew their dislike , to the carnall and vnsauourie speeches of the wicked , but also learne & reach good out of the same . I doe not meane nor teach hereby , Anticipatio . that Christians are willingly & vsually to intrude themselues into such companies , and places , as Stage-plaies , Tauernes , Bawdie houses , and the like , where they may haue occasion offered hereof : for Dauid teacheth another doctrine in these words , Away from me yee wicked , Psalm. 119.115 . but if occasionally , and vnwillingly , they heare such , then this doctrine is for direction vnto them ; which wanteth no proof , if examples of the best , be for our instruction recorded in holy writ . It was the opinion of some in Pauls time , as it appeareth in his epistle to the Romans , that they might doe euill that good might come thereof . Rom. 3.8 . A sentence altogether contrarie to truth , and euery where oppugned , by the veritie and truth of Gods word , for the whole scripture , euery where , beateth against the doing of euill , vpon any conditions . Now Paul surely confirmeth this doctrine before propounded , by the vse he made of this falshood , carnall , sensuall and diuellish , as all the doctrines of men are , for he reiecteth it , and establisheth the contrary truth , that we may not for any cause do euill . And lest Paul should leaue this doctrine vnconfirmed as truth , obserue whether he doth not the like elsewhere , to teach vs to do the like , as occasion shal be offered . Rom. 6.1 . For as it appeareth in the selfesame record , men were sicke of the same disease , that most are sicke of in our daies ; the worst , and I thinke , the last age of the world . Some , and not a few , thought that it was lawfull to sinne , that Gods mercie and grace by Christ might abound , encouraging themselues , as most of our daies do , to sin , because God is mercifull , making his mercies with Christ his merits , a pack-horse for their sinne , or rather a warrant for the same , which opinion , commeth not a iot behind the former , in vntruth and diuelishnes , if not go beyond it : Paul abhorreth this doctrine , and teacheth , to make a more holy vse , of the mercies & grace of God . If these be not sufficient , behold how our Sauiour subscribeth to this truth , by his practise , and requireth thy subscription to the same : Iohn 4. the woman of Samaria , beginneth to brawle and scould at him , when he came vnto her ( as many , yea most of our age do , when he offereth himselfe in the ministery of his word vnto them ) what doth our Sauiour ? doth he par pari referre , and do her euill and railing words cause the like ? I trow no ; but he reiecteth them , and maketh vse of her words , which she vnderstood carnally , and thereby taught her , Iohn 6.26 . and all that Citie , the way to heauen . And the like he did , when he beheld such comming vnto him , as were moued so to doe , respecting the feeding of their bodies , not their soules , ( as the hungrie followers of Christ in these times , I meane carnall followers of him , that only looke at him so far as religion shall go with riches ) he by their carnal seeking him , taught them how to eate and drinke him , of whom whosoeuer eateth and drinketh shall neuer perish , hunger , or thirst againe .

This doctrine , howsoeuer it is , ( if not vnknowne ) vnpractised , for who taketh the aduantage , he might gaine by the Reas. 1 like ? yet reason requireth the same at the hand of Christians , who are sanctified by the holy Ghost , and in some measure haue repaired in them , the image of God , once defaced , by the sinne of the first Adam , and therefore in some sort can do , that which is by a Father affirmed of God , that he can elicere bona ex malis , and so truly through the grace they haue receiued , ought to sucke hony out of the most poisonable herbe that may be , yea not only out of the sins of others , but also Reas. 2 of their owne . And surely howsoeuer the wicked are by the actions of their mates and fellowes in euill , whetted on , and made more sharpe and eager of bitt in sinning : yet the godly man is cleane contrarie to this , being made of another mettal , for that stone which will sharpen the wicked to sinne , will , and ought to dul and make blunt Gods children therunto , and set an edge to cut another way , vpon them . So did Dauid find it ; when he said , and without question , without boasting of himselfe , or false speaking , My eyes gushed out with teares , because men kept not thy law : and what heart , I beseech you , had Daniel or Nehemiah to sinne , when the whole multitude was on euill ? surely none , but with Ieremiah betook themselues to mourning , weeping , and wailing in secret , and to abstaine from the common abominations , as Peter willeth , yea though it seeme strange to them , we runne not for company sake with them into the same excesse of riot .

O that this were put in practise , what Vse 1 doctrines might we teach , or rather how many sermons might we daily preach to our selues and others ? If we would labor and endeuour to bring hony to our selues , & ours , to sweeten that which dead flies , I meane our sins , haue made to stinck ? who is he , that is godly , that daily heareth not men by their words diuersly dishonoring God , and by their deeds crucifying Christ againe , as though he had not alreadie , more then sufficiently and enough , suffered ? Oh canst thou go vnder the name of a Christian , and not only reioyce , & laugh to see these weeds grow where thou art , but also omittest to gather any good from the same ? Repent , yea let it grieue thee , and cause thee to couer thy face for shame , that thou hast liued so long , complaining of the wickednes of the daies , and hast profited no more by them , be a better husband for the time to come . If Magistrates , masters and mistresses , parents and gouernors , would learne and put in vse this doctrine , we should not haue so many tents of Kedar as we haue , and so few families of Cornelius calling daily vpon the Lord .

Vse 2 Paul is not ashamed , to manifest , and to leaue on record , that his iudgement is contrarie to theirs , which was carnal , and altogether fleshly .

Doct. Whereby he teacheth vs , that as the iudgement of Christians is contrary to the iudgement of carnall and earthly minded men , so Christians must not be ashamed , both by speech & practise , to shew the same , which the example of the 3. Dan. 3. children yeeldeth proofe of sufficiently . And as the Scripture euery where confirmeth , so Reason requireth the same , for surely , the Spirit of God , wherof all Christians Reas. 1 haue receiued , ( for of him , that is of Christ , we all receiue grace for grace ) doth alter the iudgement of the parties in whom it is , so that they can say , and their profession doth shew , that by the grace of God , they are that they are , not Carnall , as before the receiuing of the spirit , but spirituall , sanctified and set apart to do the will of God . And therefore must needs be vnlike to the carnall and worldly earth-wormes , both in iudgement and profession . And surely , this suteth with the nature Reas. 2 of their seruice , which is cleane contrary to the seruice of the carnall , and that , by the reason of the contrary disposition of the masters whom they follow , Christ & the diuell : whosoeuer followeth the former , must needs be vnlike the attendants of the second , for what agreement is there betweene Christ and Belial ; light and darknesse ? Seuerall and diuers masters , giue seueral and diuers liueries , that their men may be knowne one from another , and so do Christ and the diuell . Christs liuerie is the beautifull and white profession of the truth , a robe and garment beseeming the greatest ; the liuery of the diuell is sinne , a blacke and filthie couering , vnfit for , and not beseeming any .

Vse 1 To teach vs not to think the worse of Christian religion , because the iudgement of worldly minded men is contrary hereunto , for by the same reason , we might reiect the Scriptures of God , the truth whereof , euery carnall and naturall man is against , and accomplisheth not , for the light came into the darknesse , and the darknesse comprehendeth it not .

Vse 2 Hereby , as by the purest glasse , wee may see the diuell his bar , whereby he keepeth many , yea the most of our daies , from religion , because then , say they , I must ( do as God would haue me ) be vnlike in iudgement & practise to my selfe formerly , and all the rest of the world , see how that , which thou reputest a matter worthie of esteeme , to be like the world , is the diuels barre , whereby he keepeth thee from being like to Christ , whom to be vnlike , is to be like the diuell , and whom to know is eternall life .

Let Christians then , not be ashamed Vse 3 of their profession , though the world be contrary vnto them , nay let them bee contrary to the world in this particular , to thinke nothing gaine but godlinesse , and that which is inned by the same , not being vnsatiable , or alwaies of a hauing and receiuing disposition , thinking all is fish that commeth to the net , and all is well got that is put in the purse : herein Christians are discerned from worldlings . The words .

Godlinesse is great gaine . Whence wee learne .

Doct. Howsoeuer the world reputeth and esteemeth godlines , the truth is , by the mouth of the Apostle , that it is great gaine : in which opinion the Apostle is not alone , but the same Spirit that spake heere , speaketh elsewhere , and more fully confirmeth it , affirming that nothing this world can afford ; is comparable hereunto , whether pearles , long life , riches , worldly honor , or whatsoeuer . For that which he there nameth vnderstanding , is the same he heere meaneth by godlines , namely , to get the doctrine of godlines to vs , yea to euery of vs as our owne , and to lead our liues and walke accordingly , this is gaine therefore , saith he that cannot lie .

Prou. 3.14.19 . The merchandize thereof is better then the merchandize of siluer , and the gaine thereof is better then gold , It is more precious then pearles , and all things that thou canst desire are not to be compared to her . Length of daies is in her right hand , & in her left hand riches and glorie . Her waies are waies of pleasure , and all her pathes prosperitie . Shee is a tree of life to all them that lay hold of her , and blessed is he that retaineth her . This saith , as much as the doctrine offereth to our consideration , and if we wil not beleeue him , he telleth you according to that experience he had in the world ? Eccle. 12.15 . ( And who went beyond the King in outward matters ? or hasted thereto more then he ? ) that this is the end of all , and the whole man to feare God and keepe his Commandements : whom , vpon the experience , it is better to beleeue , then to go and see by triall , whether he say the truth yea or no. This doctrine will appeare to be true the more manifestly : if we consider the excellencie of it in diuers respects , by which wee may not only iudge of the rest , but be moued to subscribe to this as truth .

And first , let vs see what the Scripture saith , concerning the state and standing of the godly man , it saith that such men are blessed , as witnesseth the Psalmist . Psal. 1.1.2 . Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsell of the wicked , nor standeth in the way of sinners , nor sitteth in the seate of the scornefull , but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and in his law doth he exercise himselfe both day and night . Againe ; in Psal. 112.1 . Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord , & delighteth greatly in his Commandements : which he likewise auerreth , Psal. 119.1.1 . neither is this his opinion only , if you cast your eyes vpon the 13 verse of the 3. of the Prou. where he saith , Blessed is the man that findeth wisedome , and the man that getteth vnderstanding ; from which plaine euidences of Scripture prouing , that godlinesse only maketh a man blessed . ( For it possesseth him of all things , by it hee is made capable of all earthly benefits without vsurpation , & of the kingdome of heauen , the greatest of all . ) I conclude that godlines is great gaine , because it maketh man , naturally cursed and miserable , happie and truly blessed , and who would not haue this gaine ? for who desireth not blessednesse ?

By godlines we get Christ the treasure , of all treasures , in whom dwelleth the fulnes of the Godhead bodily , and is head of the Church , whom to know is eternall life , and whom to seeke and find , all a man hath is not too great cost to be at , nor all a mans time is not too much or long to spend , nor the greatest paines , as digging and deluing , is not too painfull . By this treasure , that is , by Christ , wee are made freemen of vassals and bondslaues , Ephes. 2. we are made rich , of beggers , hauing nothing , of aliens and strangers , we are made free denizens , and of the commonwealth of Israel , by him we haue claime and title to all good , and freedome from all euill . If then this treasure , namely , Christ , be attained vnto by godlines , who can deny it to be great gaine , and who will not be desirous to attaine and get the same ?

Of all other gaine this ( though of all other the greatest , and not by any other matchable ) is obtained by the least cost and charges , for no more is required , but come and eate , so that the poore that haue no house to put their heads in , nor peny to put in their purse , may make as good a bargaine heere , as the richest ; yea oftentimes , and for the most part , they gaine most heere , which haue the least , the leanest bodies , haue the fattest souls , and the thinnest clothed bodies , haue the finest clothed soules . Whereby doth appeare , the difference betwixt this gaine , and the gaine of earthly things , to the gaine of this , all , both rich and poor , high and low , may attaine , one as wel as another , and the poorest oftentimes gaineth the most ; In earthly gaine , he hath most that is richest . So then beloued , if this gaine require no more but thy labour , surely thou canst not but repute it great , yea the greatest of all gaines . For doe not tradesmen and merchants that traffique for commodities , repute that the greatest gaine , which commeth in by least labour , industrie and cost ? and of such trade doth euery one desire to be , how much more then must we of necessitie , confesse that godlinesse is great gaine , seeing it costeth the least , and is attained vnto , as well by the poorest as richest .

In respect of the abilitie , thou hereby reapest , such abilitie as no other gaine is able to afford to any , by this , thou art made able to profit , and do good to all , and which is more admirable , without hurt to thy selfe , nay the more thou giuest others , the more thou hast thy selfe , wherein againe , doth appeare another obseruable difference , betwixt earthly and heauenly riches , of the former whosoeuer spendeth and giueth to others , hath the lesse for himselfe , but of the latter , whosoeuer gaineth and giueth to others , he is not only , not made the poorer , but richer , O admirable riches ! and gaine surpassing all , and beyond all to be desired . Hereby , whosoeuer hath them , I say , whosoeuer is true godly , is able to do good to himselfe . First , both in soule and bodie , for godlinesse maketh a man to be far from that sicknes Salomon speaketh of , That he saw a man had much , and had no heart to vse it , godlines changeth a man , and maketh his heart readie , and willing to vse that hee hath ; it maketh thee able to respect and do good to thy soule in the first place , and to labour and endeauour the beautifying of the same , before and beyond the beautifying of the body , which the naturall and worldly man is far from ; who so far careth , as his sight leadeth him , and therefore cannot ca●e for the soule , and the good thereof , for he hath no spirituall eyes to see the same . By this , a man is made able also to benefit and do good to others , at home , and abroad : at home , his wife , children , seruants ; abroad , his friends , strangers , to doe for which according to his outward abilitie , and meanes , he hath not only a heart willing , but especially he hath a heart and soule willing and able to benefit them in the best things ; by increpation , exhortation , counsell , aduise and the like . Yea who is he that standeth not in need of the helpe of the godly man ? Princes and , Nobles , and all sorts . For the godly man only , is able by his prayers to profit the King and Court , Citie and countrey , although neuer so far off , The prayer of the faithfull auaileth much for thy life , yea when thou art sicke , ten faithfull and godly men are able to keep Gods iudgements away , to cause God to repent of his anger , yea , one Lot is able to hold God . So that beloued seeing godlines maketh thee able to do good to all , though neuer so great , or remote , and that without detriment to thy selfe , thou must needs conclude with me , godlines is gaine , yea great gaine , and who desireth not to be of this trade ?

If we consider the durance of it , it is gaine indeed , for what gaine bringest thou in by any traffique , but it is subiect to perishing , to be taken from thee , or thou from it ? this is of a contrary nature , it can neuer be taken from thee , if thou once haue it , it will go with thee abroad , stay with thee at home , lie with thee in bed , sit with thee at thy table , sticke to thee in prosperitie , to keepe thee from being lifted vp , stand by thee in aduersitie and the euill day : it will not faile thee in thy sicknesse , not forsake thee in thy death , nay it will go with thee into the graue , and from thence to heauen . No surges , stormes or tempests of the sea of this world , can make shipwracke of the fame . And therein it excelleth the greatest gaine that merchants fetch from far , euery day such gaine is subiect to perishing , by land and sea , by stormes , robbers and pirates . But this only will abide , and neuer be taken from him , in whom it is , nay the gates of hell shall not preuaile against this , what gaine then is comparable to this ? none surely . Who then but Salomons fooles will refuse to trauell for the same ?

If there be any gaine free from malignant mouthes , so that they cannot except against the lawfull getting of the same , this is it , nay there is none but this of that nature , this is attained to without detriment to any , and retained to the benefit and profit of all , as in the fourth reason is at large shewed , therfore , this is gaine , yea gaine worth the hauing .

This neuer commeth alone , but it alwaies bindeth those to thee , from whom thou hast it , and that not for a day , but for euer , not to thy selfe only , but also to thine , exceeding other gaine herein , for , thy gaine thou hast from men , but the parties from whom thou hast it are at libertie . The case is far otherwise in this , thou hast the gaine , ( or rather if I may so say the stocke ) and the parties from whom thou hast it bound to thee and thine , and no meane persons neither : God the Father , God the Sonne , and God the holy Ghost ; better are no where to be had . And he that cannot lie hath told thee , if thou be godly and feare him , hee will be the God of thee and thy ●eede , O happie gaine , and thrice happie is that man that maketh a iourney to bring in such gaine , by which thou art made sure of Gods blessing to be vpon thy labours , Christ to redeeme thee , the holy Ghost to sanctifie thee , and the Angels to attend and watch thee for thy good , nay more then all this , thou gainest a mercifull Father , prouident for the good of thine heere , and so will be after thou art dead , so that thy children shall neuer be fatherlesse , for God careth for them .

Hereby art thou brought into fauour with God , with whom thou wast before at variance , he is become thy Father , thou his sonne . Hereby art thou made gracious in the eyes and hearts of good men , to whom thou wast a stranger before , yea in whose harts thou wast before excommunicated : nay , now thou art in such estate , that thou shalt be sure to haue thy enemies at peace with thee , this then must needs be great gaine , that bringeth such fauour both with God and men .

If thou haue this thou canst neuer be banckrout , wherein thou art richer then all merchants , for herein this pearle godlinesse excelleth all other , nay all pearles are not to be compared to her , they are subiect to ruine , this permanent , and thou shalt neuer be depriued of it .

This lengthens thy life , and therefore the Psalmist saith , If thou wilt but feare God , the plague shall not come neer thee , Psalm. 34.12.13.14 . and againe , Who desireth to liue long and see good daies . Let him refraine from euill , and do good : and againe the Wiseman saith , Length of daies is in her right hand . So then it preserueth from euill , thou art safe when others are in danger , thou shalt be in health , when others are sicke : further , by it thou art taught to commit the reuenge to God , and therefore art farre from quarrelling , brawling , and the like , whereby thou mightest , ( as many doe , and haue done ) hasten thy end by vnnaturall death . It teacheth thee to vse all good meanes , for the preseruation of life , and by no meanes to haue a hand in murdering thy selfe : so that this being true , that it is a meanes to lengthen thy life , it must needs bee concluded that it is gaine surpassing all others , quieting thee in aduersitie , in the euill day working in thee true contentednesse , not enuying at the prosperitie of others , nor murmuring at thy owne : so that it is true , which was prophesied of our Sauiour , in the godly ( for they are made like to him through the worke of the Spirit ) That they open not their mouthes , but like sheepe dumbe , are led to the slaughter . Neither murmuring against God or men , nor grudging at their owne estate . By all which , it appeareth plainly , to any that hath but the least sight of the Spirit , that godlines is gaine ; bringing in all good , and keeping out all euill .

Vse 1 To condemne the contrarie iudgement of the world , that see no such thing herein , and therefore are so far from it : but no maruell , For can the blind discerne of colours , or the earthly minded desire heauenly thinge ? No no , their bellie is their god , and the world their heauen , and heere they haue their happinesse .

Vse 2 To moue all to be merchants for this pearle , and to put out our money , and to aduenture for the same : the best way to bestow thy money , thou canst think on , the gaine thereof will come in , whether thou sleepest or wakest ; O then come to the market , where it is to be sold , and that is in the assemblies , where wisdomes maids haue made ready , and set before thee this pearle , if thou haue any heart to buy it , there is the garden where groweth pleasant flowers . Neuer come , but crop the same , take some with thee , and weare them , neuer leaue them off , ( they wil be euer greene ) that thou mayest be sweeter , to present thy selfe hereafter , in the middest of the congregation , before the Lord , then heretofore thou hast been . Take heed how you heare , be good Scribes , taught to the kingdome of God , bringing forth of your treasure , things now and old .

To teach vs , with what reuerence we Vse 3 are to vse such as bring these pearles , namely , the Ministers , to count their field beautifull , and to yeeld them honor , no merchant , or goldsmith , is worthie the entertainment and countenance , these men are worthie of ; for their pearles , are far exceeding theirs , and the rate , no thing so chargeable . But Pharaoh , in prouiding for the Idolatrous Priests , and reuerencing them , shall condemne many of our English men , for the neglect and little regard , Gods Ministers finde amongst them , who trauell to heauen for euery Sermon , farther then any merchant for his commoditie .

Is godlines such a gaine ? then labour thou by all meanes to settle it in the land , to keepe it where it is , and to set it where it is not , a better seruice thou canst not do God , the King , thy countrey , thy selfe ; or thine .

Heere , parents may learne a trade to teach their children , and bind them apprentices vnto , both the elder and yonger , all must be of this trade . But especially this is worthy the marking for poor men , that haue many children and nothing to giue them , neuer such a world , say they , now , except a man can giue , a round summe , none can set their children to any trade ; see , see , foole , heere is a trade , the gainfullest of all , not matchable , nor any with it comparable , bind him to this , it will cost nothing , for thou which hast nothing , mayest , as soone preferre thy child heere , as he that hath most , a better trade thou canst not find , nor a better master is not to bee serued .

Motiues to moue vs to traffique for this .

If any thing befall vs but well , shame , pouertie , aduersitie , neglect of vs and ours , we may thanke our selues for this rod , for we would not when we might , preuent this , we refused wisdome , this gaine , that would haue preserued vs , from these and all other euils , therefore , wee may be rightly ashamed of our selues , and wisdome , may iustly laugh at our destruction . Wouldest thou then not haue thy selfe faultie when euill commeth , and thanke thy selfe for the same , get godlines , a gaine , whereby , thou shalt be euer rich , both in body and spirit , and neuer poore .

Our care , for worldly and transitorie gaine , which will soone ( yea when we haue most need ) faile vs , shall condemne vs , if we neglect the seeking of this . Therfore , labour for this .

Christ , that euerlasting wisdome of the Father , will laugh at vs at the day of iudgement , seeing wee would not bee good to our selues , whilest wee might . Therefore , labour for it , if thou wouldest not haue Christ to count thee a foole , when his esteeme of thee to bee wise , would be more worth to thee , then many kingdomes .

There is no comming to heauen , nor standing before God in iudgement , without this ; if thou be not clothed with this robe , and couered with this wedding garment , thou shalt not come within heauen , nor euer enioy the comfortable presence of God . If then thou wouldest not to hell , nor be kept out of the gates of heauen , get this , and labour for godlinesse : for thou must bring something , and nothing but this , else ibis for as .

Impediments to be auoided . Thinke not that this is the doctrine of man , and that I make more adoe then needs , there is no such matter , think not I say , thou art well enough without it , for without this , thou art without grace , and so without heauen ; and although thou wilt not see , yet I will mourne for thee , and weepe , saying to euery such a one , as our Sauiour said to the citie of Ierusalem , O that thou , euen at this day , at the least , knewest thy visitation , and happinesse , for thou sayest , that thou art rich , and lackest nothing , but alas , thou art blind , poore , and naked .

Dreame not , that it will ( as the blind man thinketh ) be an hinderance to thy honor , credit , fauour , and reputation amongst men , for , this were to attach God , with saying vntruthes ; who hath promised , to honor such , as honor him , and to make their enemies at peace with them : who euer yet serued God , and came to disgrace by the same ? not Iohn Baptist , 2. Chro. 22.11.24.16 . I am sure , in Herods Court , nor Iehoiada , in the daies and Court of Ioash , nor Ioseph in the Court of Pharaoh .

Deceiue not thy selfe , neither feede thy selfe with vaine hopes , and perswasions , that thou canst to heauen , without this , the common barre , that keepeth , and nusleth men still in prophanenesse , and stoppeth them from entring into the way euerlasting , and from tasting , to see how good the Lord is . Auoid these diuellish and carnall insinuations , weigh the former motiues , and ioyne prayer therewith , so mayest thou bee truely godly , and a great gainer .