The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

Secondly, Deal righteously in thy calling. Take heed of unjust gain; believe this truth, A clear and clean conscience is infinitely better then a full purse. A little with the fear of the Lord, is better then the possessions of many wicked men, Psa. 37.15. A little wholesome food is better then a thousand poisoned Dishes. All the Wealth which is got in Gods way is pleasant; but all the wealth which is got unjustly by wickedness is poison. The blessing of the Lord maketh rich, and bringeth no sorrow of heart with it, Pro. 10.22. Defrauding thy Neighbour, and cheating thy Customers maketh rich, and bringeth the sorrow of Hell with it. He that resolveth to be unrighteous (it is commonly said) may soon be rich. When the spring of conscience is screwed up to the highest pin, that it is ready to break, and godliness is locked up fast into an outhouse, and not suffered so much as to peep into the Shop or Warehouse, to take notice of what is done there, such a Tradesman may gain silver, but alas he loseth his precious Saviour, and his never dying soul. O what a dreadful gain is it to get earth with the loss of Heaven! He that will be rich in hast, shall be poor enough in Hell. Know y• not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven! be not deceived, God will not be mocked. ⟨p. 473⟩1 Cor. 6.9. Do not think (Reader) though thou canst cheat thy Chapmen, that thou canst cozen God; no, he will not be mocked; he seeth thy false weights and false measures, which thou ordinarily usest, though thou hast others to bring forth (for a colour) if occasion be, and he will deal justly with thee for thy injustice, by sending thee to that place where there is judgement without mercy. I have read of an old rich covetous wretch, that lying upon upon his death-bed, he asked his Son whether he would not do any thing that his Father should desire him. His Son answered yea: then saith the Father, Hold your finger in the flame of that Candle an hour. Sir, saith the Son, I cannot possibly endure that. No, saith the Father! I must burn for ever in Hell, for raking up an estate unjustly for you, and yet you will not burn a finger one hour for me! O Reader, if thou art guilty of this sin, think of it betimes. Thy ill gotten wealth will breed those worms which will gnaw thee eternally. Besides, thou mayst think to raise thy House by such heaps;