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

§. Sect. 3 That the more poor we are, the more earnest we should be in Gods service.

§. Sect. 3 That the more poore we are, the more earnest we should be in Gods seruice.

Fourthly, I answer, that the more poor we are in our outward estate, the more intentive and diligent should we be in the service of ¹God, and all religious exercises; that being defective in earthly blessings, we may be made rich in all spiritual and saving graces, and that wanting with Peter and John, silver and gold, we may with them exceed in Godliness, which is the chiefest Gain, and bringeth with it the greatest contentment. Finally, that having no other patrimony in lands and houses, wherein we might delight our selves, we do make Gods testimonies to be our heritage for ever, and the very rejoicing ²of our hearts. Fifthly, seeing the whole earth and all therein is, is the Lords, and at his disposing, to whom he pleaseth, and it is his blessing alone which maketh rich, therefore the more poor we ³are, the more painful and diligent should we be in all duties of his service, that he may so bless our labours, and prosper our handy-work, as that it may be an effectual means, serving his providence, for procuring some sufficiency of these temporal benefits. Thus David acknowledged, that it was the Lord whom he served, ⁴that had furnished his table. That it is he who giveth unto all, their ⁵