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CHAP. XXVIII.
THe which I shal do from the Word of God. Nor need it seem strage, that for the improving of mens outward estates, I prescribe them rules and directions from thence: For would we be instructed in any necessary truth, whether it be
- Theological, concer∣ning God,
- Ecclesiastical, concer∣ning The Church,
- Political, concer∣ning The Common-wealth,
- Moral, concer∣ning Our neighbours and friends,
- Oeconomical, concer∣ning Our private families,
- Monastical, concer∣ning Our selves.
Or be it touching Our
- Temporal estate.
- Civil estate.
- Spirituul estate.
- ...Eternal Souls,
- ...Bodies,
- ...Names,
- ...Estates,
- ...Posterities.
We need but have recourse to the written Word. For that alone is a ma∣gazine of all needful provision, a store-house of all good instructions. And let a man study Machiavel, and all the Machiavilians, and State-politicians that ever wrote; he can add nothing, or nothing of worth to what may be collected thence, touching this subject. Wherefore, if any of poor would become rich, let him use the means which tend thereunto; observe and follow those Rules and Directions, which God hath prescri∣bed and appointed in his Word, which are principally six; For as the Throne of Solomon was mounted unto by six stairs: so is this Palace of Plenty and Riches ascended unto, by six steps set upon this ground already laid. For I find in the Word, six infallible wayes to become rich; or six sorts of men, whom God hath promised to bless with riches, and all outward prosperity. That is to say,
- 1 The Godly,
- 2 The Liberal,
- 3 The Thankful,
- 4 The Humble,
- 5 The Industrious,
- 6 The Frugal.
These of all other men in the world, are sure never to want. And