Some general directions for a comfortable walking with God delivered in the lecture at…Some generall directions for a comfortable walking with God deliuered in the lecture at…

I say therefore, sith Gods children are most subject both to the wrongs of open enemies, & supplantation of seeming friends, they are many times not so enabled in outward things, or strong in their worldly state, to make such a flourish in dispersing their superfluities, as those men which get without conscience, and disburse without spiritual discretion.

I say therefore, sith Gods children are most subiect both to the wrongs of open enemies, & supplantation of seeming friends, they are many times not so enabled in outward things, or strong in their worldly state, to make such a flourish in dispersing their superfluities, as those men which get without conscience, and disburse without spirituall discretion.

2. A Christian dare not for his life so far enlarge his conscience, as to gain by any unwarrantable means, or unconscionable course, as oppression, corruption, cozening, violence, lying, unjust dealing, &c. and therefore in this griping, and greedy age, in the highest noontide of iniquity, or rather darkest midnight of the works of darkness (though outward want be infinitely countervailed with inward comfort) he doth not commonly come to that excess, and superfluity of temporal things, which many times worldlings with wider consciences, easily and immeasurably engross. The largest consciences in these last & worst days, are the only devourers, and swallowers down of worldly wealth. A religious resolution to save a mans soul, (more is the pity!) is many times a notable curb to keep him from growing rich, and into reputation with the world. Gods blessings even in temporal things, I deny not, are sometimes ⟨p. 284⟩very plentifully upon the right owners, Gods own children; and both heavenly and earthly happiness have been wreathed together by the merciful hand of God, and set upon their heads: but if we look upon the common courses holden in the world that way; and in all forecast of carnal reason, he is likeliest to grow rich and rise, who is resolved to damn his soul. In ordinary conceit of profane policy, and apprehensions of worldly wisdom, Joseph mist¹