The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

'Tis the Encouragement used by the Apostle, Charge them that are rich in ¹this World, that they do good, that they be rich in good Works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal Life. Some by corrupt prodigality waste their Estates, are profuse as the Sea; some heap up Riches as the Sand, and both must be responsible to the Righteous Lord, who will severely call them to an ⟨p. 238⟩account for the abuse of his Blessings. But those who according to their utmost ability honour him with their Substance, and by their charity and beneficence open the hearts and lips of many in thanksgivings to God, shall be accepted and rewarded from the Divine Mercy.

1. 11 Tim. 6.

Especially doing good to those whom God loves, who bear his Image, who are peculiarly related¹ to him, shall have an excellent Reward. The Apostle tells us, that some by entertaining Strangers, received Angels: the honour is incomparably greater, that in relieving the Godly, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Angels, is fed and clothed in his Members. And at the last Day he will publicly own those Acts of Mercy as done to himself: Then he will ⟨p. 239⟩give to the contented Poor the Crown of Patience, and to the charitable Rich the Crown of Liberality. In short, Riches and Honour, Power and Prosperity, are Temptations to the Carnal, that draw forth their Lusts, and increase their Guilt and Misery; but to wise and faithful Christians, they are Talents improved for their Master's Honour, and their own everlasting Good.