The Practice of Piety

6 Beware of affecting popularity by adulation: the end never proves good. And though attained by due desert; yet manage it wisely: lest it prove more dangerous then contempt. For States desire but to keep ⟨p. 360⟩down whom they contemn for their unworthiness: but to cut off whom they envy for their greatness. He therefore is truly prudent; who (considering the premises) neither affecteth, nor neglecteth popularity. But in any wise, take heed of harbouring a ^*discontented mind, for it may work thee more woe, then thou art aware of. It is a special mercy, in the multitude of so many blessings, as thou doest enjoy, to have some crosses. God gives thee many blessings, lest through want (being his child) thou shouldest despair: And he sends thee some crosses, lest by too much prosperity (playing the fool) thou shouldest presume. Many who have ⟨p. 361⟩mounted to great dignities, would have contented themselves with ^*meaner: had they known their ^agreat dangers: Love therefore competency, rather then eminency. And in all thy will have ever an eye to Gods will, least thy self-action, turns to thine own destruction. Happy the man, who in this short life is least known of the world: so that he doth truly know God and himself! Whatsoever cross therefore thou hast to discontent thee; remember, that it is less then thy sins have deserved. Count therefore Christ thy chiefest joy, and sin thy greatest grief: estimate no want to the want of Grace, nor any loss to the loss of ⟨p. 362⟩Gods favour: And then the discontentment for outward things shall the less perplex thine inward mind. And as oft as Satan shall offer any motion of discontentment to thy mind, remember Saint Pauls admonition, We brought nothing into this World, ⁴and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content: But they that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Pray therefore with wise Agur: