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CHAP. XXI.
That worldly things profit not to the attaining of those things which are chiefly good, nor to the auoi∣ding of our greatest euils.
BVt let vs descend to some particulars, and we shall easily see, that these worldly things nei∣ther helpe vs to the attaining of those things which are vnto vs chiefely good, nor to the auoiding of our greatest euils: they do not inrich our minds with true vertue, and Gods sauing graces, they do not make vs more humble, mercifull, patient, zea∣lous, nor any other way religious: yea rather doth not com∣mon experience teach vs, that worldly prosperitie is a step∣mother to vertue, those being most destitute of it, who most abound in worldly things; and they most rich in spirituall grace, who are most wanting in them? Do we not continu∣ally see with our owne eyes, that it is not those who are ad∣uanced to the highest honours, nor those who abound in wealth, and wallow themselues in worldly delights, that fre∣quent the schoole of vertue and godlinesse, the Church and house of God; or if they do, are so apt to learne spirituall in∣struction, and to profit in the knowledge of Gods sauing truth; but those who are of meane condition, poore estate, and afflicted with worldly crosses? so as it may be truly said, that those who go on foot, yea those who are old and decre∣pite, sicke, lame, and blind, do make more diligent speed, and go much faster to the Church of God, the spirituall mar∣ket-place of our soules, wherein they are furnished with all vertues and sauing graces; then those who ride on their foot∣cloathes, and are swiftly hurried in their gilded coaches, or they who haue best health, most strength, and the greatest share in all manner of worldly happinesse. And therefore as sobrietie and abstinence preserue our bodily health, and help to free vs from those diseases which come of fulnesse and re∣pletion; so the want or sparing vse of these worldly things