The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

It is recorded of Esau, that though he was a Profane, earthly-minded man, yet could say to his Brother Jacob, I have enough, Gen. 33. 9. Oh then what a shame is it for such as make a profession of Religion, and would seem to be of the seed of Jacob, yet cannot say, they have enough! Oh how many Christians herein come short of Esau? Should you by your extraordinary care and pains attain to a considerable estate here, what would be your advantage thereby? Happily you may wear better clothes, fare more deliciously, provide greater portions for your Children, and at last go to Hell with the more credit than the poorer sort. And is this a privilege to be so much desired, and laboured after, to descend with pomp into the pit?

It is recorded of Esau, that though he was a Prophane, earthly-minded man, yet could say to his Brother Iacob, I have enough, Gen. 33. 9. Oh then what a shame is it for such as make a profession of Religion, and would seem to be of the seed of Iacob, yet cannot say, they have enough! Oh how many Christians herein come short of Esau? Should you by your extraordinary care and pains attain to a considerable estate here, what would be your advantage thereby? Happily you may wear better cloaths, fare more deliciously, provide greater portions for your Children, and at last go to Hell with the more credit than the poorer sort. And is this a priviledge to be so much desired, and laboured after, to descend with pomp into the pit?

Consider, I beseech you, how little good your wealth can do you? Can it free you from cares? Can it lengthen your days? Can it keep you from the Dropsy, Fever, Gout, or other bodily Diseases? Can it preserve you from death, or obtain the pardon of your sins? You may indeed procure the Popes pardon, but will God sell you a pardon for money? Had you all the wealth in the World, it could not purchase Heaven for you, nor free you from hell▪ no nor procure you a drop of water to cool your tongue, or quench your thirst there. O who would lay out himself wholly upon that which cannot help him in his greatest distresses! Riches avail not in the day of wrath.