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

Secondly, unto the performing of the duties of our callings after a right manner, there is required that we sanctify them by the Word and ¹prayer. The former is done, when as we do nothing but that for which we have our warrant out of the holy Scriptures, and use them as the rule and squire, according to which we frame all our actions, doing that which the Word of God requireth, and leaving that undone which it forbiddeth and condemneth. The which is to be observed, both in respect of the matter and works themselves, and also the manner and circumstances, doing all things both in substance and form, as it requireth and directeth. The latter is performed, when as by prayer we desire Gods blessing upon all our labours, and render unto him praise and thanksgiving, when we have obtained it, and have succeeded and prospered in the works of our hands. And this the Apostle requireth in all our affairs; Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving ²thanks to God, and the Father by him. The necessity whereof will plainly appear, if we consider, that it is Gods blessing only which maketh rich, and causeth us to thrive and prosper in all the works of our ³hands. That it alone enableth us to build goodly houses, and causeth our ⁴herds and our flocks, our silver and gold, and all that we have to multiply: and that he only giveth us power to get wealth. That it is he, who at his pleasure giveth and taketh away, maketh poor and rich, bringeth low, and lifteth