Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises,…

2. 'Tis a means to increase Riches▪ 'Tis a Rule not only in Spirituals, but ⟨p. 56⟩in Temporals, As a Man sows so he shall reap, both in the Recompenses of Justice, and the Rewards of Mercy: He that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully. Charity is a productive Grace, that enriches the giver more than the receiver. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and the first fruits of thy increase, ¹so shall thy Barns be filled with plenty, and thy Presses burst out with new Wine. He that gives to the Poor, lends to the Lord: He signs himself our Debtor for what is laid out for him, and he will pay it with Interest; not only with Eternal Treasures hereafter, but in outward Blessings here. Riches obtained by regular means, are the effects and effusions of his Bounty; but sometimes by admirable ways, he gives a present Reward, as by his own Hand. As there are numerous Examples of God's blasting the Covetous, either by a gangrene in their Estates, that consumes them before their Eyes, or by the Luxury and Profuseness of their Children; so 'tis as visible he prospers the Merciful, sometimes by a secret Blessing dispensed by an invisible Hand, and sometimes in succeeding their diligent Endeavours in their Callings.

2. 'Tis a means to increase Riches▪ 'Tis a Rule not only in Spirituals, but ⟨p. 56⟩in Temporals, As a Man sows so he shall reap, both in the Recompences of Justice, and the Rewards of Mercy: He that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully. Charity is a productive Grace, that enriches the giver more than the receiver. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and the first fruits of thy increase, ¹so shall thy Barns be filled with plenty, and thy Presses burst out with new Wine. He that gives to the Poor, lends to the Lord: He signs himself our Debtor for what is laid out for him, and he will pay it with Interest; not only with Eternal Treasures hereafter, but in outward Blessings here. Riches obtain'd by regular means, are the effects and effusions of his Bounty; but sometimes by admirable ways, he gives a present Reward, as by his own Hand. As there are numerous Examples of God's blasting the Covetous, either by a gangrene in their Estates, that consumes them before their Eyes, or by the Luxury and Profuseness of their Children; so 'tis as visible he prospers the Merciful, sometimes by a secret Blessing dispensed by an invisible Hand, and sometimes in succeeding their diligent Endeavours in their Callings.