A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

But it is not sufficient, that we shun the abuses of prosperity and temporal blessings, unless we also know how we may rightly use them; the which use is far better then the things themselves, as furthering us unto the fruition of much more excellent benefits, both in this life and the life to come. The which, ⟨p. 351⟩Solomon implieth, in making this use a second and more perfect gift of ¹God, which he doth not, like the other, cast out in common to men of all sorts, but reserveth it as a special benefit for those that fear him; I know ²(saith he) that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life, and also that a man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of his labour; it is the gift of God. And therefore in the next place I will set down also some rules and cautions, whereby we may be directed in the right use of prosperity, and the temporal blessings which do accompany it. And first, we must use them as helps and effectual motives to stir us up to unfeigned thankfulness unto God that gave them. To which end, let us not sacrifice to our own nets, nor ascribe the praise of them to our wisdom and industry; but let us receive them at Gods hands, as his gifts and blessings, that he may have the whole glory of them. Yea, let us consider that they are his free gifts, which he bestoweth of his mere grace and bounty, without any respect of our merits or worthiness, yea notwithstanding that we are less then the least of his mercies, and worthy rather of his judgements and punishments. That he hath given them abundantly unto us, and unto many other his dear children, with a sparing hand, and in a scant measure, who are far more worthy of them; that he requireth nothing in lieu of all his benefits, but that we return unto him the praise