The Practice of Piety

3 In effecting good actions, which are within the compass of thy calling, distrust not Gods providence, though thou see the means, either wanting or weak. And ⟨p. 383⟩if means do offer themselves, be sure that they be lawful:¹ and having gotten lawful means, take heed that thou rely not more upon them, then upon God himself. Labour, in a lawful calling, is Gods ordinary means by which he blesseth his children with outward things Pray therefore for GODS blessing upon his own means. In earthly business, bear an heavenly mind: do thou thy best endeavour, and commit the whole success to the fore-ordaining wisdom of Almighty God. Never think to thrive by those means which God hath accursed. ²That will not in the end prove gain which is gotten with the loss of thy ⟨p. 384⟩soul. In all therefore both actions and means, endeavour,³ with Paul, to have alway a clear conscience towards God, and towards men.

3 In effecting good actions, which are within the compasse of thy calling, distrust not Gods prouidence, though thou see the meanes, either wanting or weake. And ⟨p. 383⟩if meanes doe offer themselues, be sure that they bee lawfull:¹ and hauing gotten lawfull meanes, take heede that thou relye not more vpon them, then vpon God himselfe. Labour, in a lawfull calling, is Gods ordinary means by which hee blesseth his children with outward things Pray therefore for GODS blessing vpon his own meanes. In earthly businesse, beare an heauenly minde: doe thou thy best endeauour, and commit the whole successe to the fore-ordaining wisdome of Almighty God. Neuer thinke to thriue by those meanes which God hath accursed. ²