A DIALOGUE BETWEEN 

Riches,  
Poverty,  
Godliness,  
Gravity,  
Labour, AND  
Content:   Fit for the Perusal of all that are Sober-minded, in this time of Unsetledness, and Dis-Satisfaction. By a Friend to the Public.  
LONDON, Printed for Nehemiah Bradford, MDCLIX.   

A DIALOGUE.  
THere dwelled once, as hath been said, two Inhabitants in one Town, the one called Riches, the other Poverty. These two could not long agree; for Riches would be insulting over Poverty, either wronging and oppressing him, or scoffing at him, and abusing him; and became so stately, that after a while he disdained to look upon or speak to him though his next neighbour. Poverty was as much to blame too, for he was as stout as Riches, for the heart of him; and very foul mouthed, and could never afford Riches a good word behind his back, and grew full of envy and bitterness against him. Upon these continual jars, one of them must be gone. Riches would not stir, Poverty must, and gets him to the further end of all the Town, and dwelled a while there, in a sorry ruinous Cottage; which shortly after fell to the ground, and he was never able to repair it.  
There happened to come into those parts a stranger nobly born, and of a far better descent then either of the former two; his name was Godliness, of a most ancient family; he is said to have been before the fall of Adam. His means were not great for his family was much decayed by many said calamities they had undergone in some evil and troublous times; yet was he of so quiet, peaceable, and sweet a disposition, that he thought he could agree with any reasonable neighbour in the world, if the fault were not his own. He came and took a house near Riches first; they long thus agreed, and had not so much as an unkind word passed between them, till Riches gave the first occasion. Godliness was very industrious in his Calling, meddled with no man's business but his own: Besides, was very patiented, pitiful, and charitable; and, next to his constant care to please God, his desire was to live without giving any just offence to any man living, for he would not wrong the least child. But Riches grew every day more high and stately, as was not by Godliness to be endured; yet must he not be told of it neither. Godliness had born long: at length taking just offence at some of the ill ways of Riches, told him mildly of it. But Riches said he would not be controlled nor so affronted by the greatest Godliness in the world: But broke out to him in the words the Sodemites used to Lot: This fellow came into sojourn here a while ago, and he must needs become a Judge and a Lord: But I will not take it at thy hands.  
Besides, Riches had a many lewd and lose servants, all bitter enemies to Godliness. Their names were Pride, Oppression, Covetousness, Luxury, Riot, Prodigality, Malice, Flattery, Calumny, and Laziness; every one had his Office but Laziness, who said he would wait on his Master at all turns, but he would undertake no other employment. Oppression was his chief servant, & steward of his house, a cruel enemy to the Poor. Covetousness was his Bailiff, Pride was his Tailor, yet no good workman neither; for let him take his measure how he would, and make his garment with all the skill he had, the making, or the stuff, or the colour, or the fashion, or the trimming, or the putting on, did not please, at least if they did one day, did not two days together, neither him nor his wife (her name was Jezabel, so was her mother's before her, who learned her to paint and to patch; and to powder; and her Waiting-woman Mistress Lightskirt Curiosity.) Prodigality was upper Butler, and under him Riot; and the cup they all drank in was called Excess, a foul great cup it was: & looking on it, to see what mark it had, I observed 3 letters, but all 3 Ds; but yet not standing together, but the one near the brim, the 2d in the middle, the 3d in the bottom. Many would guess what these 3 letters might mean some said it was Donum Domini Divitiarum the name of the Donour. But they of the house said the first D. was Delight, the 2d Drunkenness, and the 3d was Drowziness. But there dwelled an old man not far off, whose name was Gravity, a comely old man, of much learning, and great experience; upon whose counsel all the Neighbours did much rely; yea, I have known when Labour & Godliness & Content too, have gone to advise with him; but he had been discharged from looking into Riches his house, he told me these 3 letters were set on by the same hand that wrote the 3 words on Belshazzars wall, and that the first D. did signify Disease, the 2d D. Death, and the 3d he was sure was Damnation. And were it not too long a digression, I could tell you what children Riches had, and what grandchildren; and since I hear what is become of all. Riches was now an old man; he had 2 Sons and 2 Daughters. Both his Sons died without issue in their Father's life, so that he saw his name was like to perish, what ever became of the estate. The elder son was called Honour, the Father's darling, and the hopes of all the family; but a weak child he was, and never like to be long lived: he died young, and put all the house into mourning, they lament the loss of Honour to this day. The younger son was called Ambition, one of an haughty & aspiring mind, and of a working restless spirit; he was one still in every desperate and mischievous plot; was betrayed, & came to an untimely and shameful end, and no man pitied him. The 2 Daughters were Delicacy the elder (more like the mother) and Avarice the younger (more like the father.) The elder was always an unruly and wanton Girl, never like to come to good; and when her mother had provided a great match for her preferment, she had cast herself away upon one of her father's Serving men called Prodigality (they agreed like dogs and cats) and they had an only daughter whose name was Infamy. Avarice was resolved to be ruled by her father; & by his persuasion, she was bestowed on his Steward Oppression, his chief servant, whom he said he loved as dearly as if he had been his own child: he told his daughter Avarice he would make the best husband for her in the world; that they were sure never to want, they nor theirs, for if she could but save, the husband would be sure to get. But they had not a good day together neither, but lived quite besides what they had; & they had an only daughter, whose name was Misery. These 2 Grandchilds, Infamy & Misery, is all that at present are left of Riches race they are yet living, and like to live many a day. But to return to his servants again: Luxury was his Cook Gluttony his Carver, Malice was his Secretary: But he made most of two above all the rest: Flattery the one, his greatest Favourite; and Calumny the other: these 2 had the length of his foot; the one could make him angry, & the other pleased with whom they would, & whensoever they listed. I had like to have forgot his Chaplain; for he would be thought to be religious too; his name was Sir John Reader. He was no Scholar at all, though he said he had taken a degree in the University. But he had 2 properties which gave general content to all the house: he could mumble them over a few short prayers out of the Book, and when he had done, he could bowl & drink, and swear with the best of 'em, all the day after. Now the house being stored with such servants, there was nothing but disorder to be seen: they could none of them endure Godliness, but made songs of him, scoffed & jeered at him and all his actions; yea, made themselves merry with his very gestures, and quarrelled with his children & servants. Nor did they well agree among themselves, for Prodigality & Covetousness could never agree, though Covetousness & Oppression held together. Malice, Calumny & Flattery often jarred & differed. And as for Riot, he could agree with never a one, but only Pride. Godliness comes to Riches in a courteous way, & tells him privately of their miscarriages; & withal tells him, if he keep these servants longer, they will undo him for ever; persuades him to reform his family & to turn away these old servants, & he would commend better to him, which should be more for his credit & profit too. But Riches grew very hot, & would not hear him speak; but fell foul on Godliness calling his Servants to help him: and first of all, his Chaplain, who was no ways able to hold argument with Godliness; but he could outrail Godliness & Gravity both: he would needs bring Scripture to confute Godliness; and he had one place very ready, being all he was acquainted with Eccles. 7.16. Be not righteous overmuch, neither make thyself over-wise: for why shouldst thou destroy thyself? Here he had thought he had knocked Godliness down. But Godliness had his answer ready, & bade him read the next words: Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou fool sh: why shouldst thou die before the time? Sir John was presently nonplussed, that he had not a word of Scripture more, but fell to downright railing. Then did Riches call for his other servants to second his Chaplain, and bade Pride, Malice & Calumny pay him sound, & if they 4 were not able to do it, he would send for Oppression to set him further off; for next his old mortal enemy Poverty, whom he had sent packing, he protested to hate Godliness more than any creature alive; yea, he swore to it too, that he hated him more than he did the very Devil. And old Jezabel looking out of her Window, cried, spare him not, knock him down, or send him packing; for I cannot abide the very looks of him.  
Now Godliness had a few Servants of his own training up, well bred, fit to serve the best Nobleman in the Land; but he had not many to spare: he had tried to breed up more, but he could do no good on many of them, or they would not tarry with him. Such a one was Ignorance, but he resolved not to be taught, and he said he never came thither to be Catechised. Error would have dwelled with Godliness too, as he said; but he must have the Liberty of his Conscience, as he called it. Singularity made offer of his Service; but he would indent with him to go hear when and where he pleased. Hypocrisy was more importunate than any one, to be his chief Servant, and companion too; and with his fair language and Scripture-expressions, he had wrought himself for a while into a fair Opinion with Godliness; Oh! he had such a Tongue, that he was able to deceive any man alive: and indeed he began so well, that had his deed been as good as his word, and had he held out as he began, he had been an extraordinary good servant: yea, Hypocrisy would fain have been exercising his gifts; and said he had spoken often in private meetings, with great applause; but he never cared for joining in prayer with others; and they could never perceive that he used any private prayer by himself; therefore his Master fell into suspicion of him, first for his much talk, and his many brags; and having set two of his old tried servants to observe him, Humility and Sincerity, they informed their Master, they found him out to be a very cheat, a notorious liar, and such a cunning dissembler, that ye could not tell when to believe him; yea, they set him out to be such a dangerous fellow, that he was enough to spoil the whole Family, at least to bring up an ill report against them all; therefore they desired their Master to rid the house speedily of him, or there was no staying for them. Godliness presently calls for him, and admonisheth him to mend his manners, and in a great passion (for it was said, he was never so much moved with any one in all his life) he charged him to be presently put out of doors, and never to come near his house, unless he brought Repentance and Experience along to pass their word for him, that he was now another man; Nay, Godliness was so passionate, that for his sake he said he would never have any one of that name come into his family again.  
And would you think it? Idleness had a mind to the Service: but he asked great wages, and yet would do nothing; nor would he so much as promise to mend. But he had a few faithful Servants, whose names were Faith, Hope, Charity, Repentance, Experience, Humility, Sincerity, Temperance, Sobriety, etc. He had also many good friends; all the old Patriarches, and holy Apostles and Prophets, were his near kinsmen, and intimate acquaintance; and he is said to derive his pedigree from the second Adam, from whom he is lineally descended; and his Wife's name was Philadelphia. But his Servants he keeps all hard to work, and among them is not the least difference or discord in the World; but they lived in the greatest peace and quietness that could be; till Riches servants, and those meeting, there would be old falling out presently; for the disordered company that Riches kept, would be still offering some abuse or other to them; and upon complaint made to their Master, he said he would maintain them in it, and had set them on of purpose to weary out Godliness; and that he was at the charge of a Chaplain only to oppose the Power of Godliness.  
Godliness thus driven away by Riches means, and his servant Oppression; removes to the very end of all the Town, where Poverty dwelled, in an old ruinous shed, without either door or Window, or sire, or Chimney, or so much as a bed to lie upon; yet extreme stout, often boasting of his Family, and what his Ancestors had been, as good as Riches; and I think no less; for whereas Riches could pretend to no higher pedigree than Nabal, of whom he was begotten when he lay sick of the Stone in his Heart, and died a few days after, whence all the Posterity have had that disease hereditarily cleaving to them more or less; Poverty would vaunt often that he could derive his Pedigree from Noah; for I'm his Son was his Great Grandfather; and his Motto he keeps to this day, A servant of servants. But I rather think he may carry his Pedigree beyond Noah, and spring from the loins of Cain; who after he was driven from the presence of the Lord, had this Legacy given him, that he and all his posterity should be Vagabonds and Runagates. Godliness expecting more quietness, intending not to wrong Poverty of one farthing, but to do him all the good he could; Poverty was stout and scornful, and his Wife a nasty Slut, poor children they had, all in rags. He had never a Servant, nor had he had many a day. This Poverty was an ill Husband; if he got a penny, he must to the 〈…〉  
Godliness being thus unkindly dealt with, & driven out of Town both by Riches & Poverty, was a while much perplexed whither he should remove to find a resting place, and where to meet Content his best friend on earth, which was his first Design. He was once wished by a Friend, that had observed his lovely aspect and his sweet behaviour, to go to the Court, whither all men go to seek preferment; and if any did rise, it were pity but such a one as he should be promoteed: How much good might he do his friends and himself, if he were in place? But Godliness replied, he had been bred up in a plain and private way; he had not much means, nor many friends; without which what is to be expected at Court? nor could he skill of the Court-Language and Compliments, neither was he at all acquainted with these Arts of Simulation and Dissimulation, which are said to be all in all in a perfect Courtier: Therefore he resolved all the preferments in the world should not entice him to do any thing against his Conscience. Next he was by some friends wished to go and list himself in the Army: he answered, Of all lives he liked that least, yet for his part, he said, besides the hazard such run in the Wars, he was not well satisfied in the justice of the Cause, either on the one side or other. And he judged the Soldiers Calling to be only warrantable when the Cause was plain and clear, and so long as Necessity puts them into Arms, and no longer. He professed, for his part, he loved the Soldiers so well, that he did wish with all his heart, that all the Soldiers would turn Godly; but he loved Godliness so well, that he could not wish all Godly men to turn Soldiers. Then he was by some persuaded to go abroad into the World and travel, than might he observe the divers manners and fashions of other Countries, & grow acquainted with their several Religions and Languages: That he was not a Gentleman who had not traveled, nor was any a complete man without this. He presently replied, he had been a Traveller already a long time, toward Heaven, and his own Country was as near or nearer a way thither then any other. His design was to grow in Grace, & that he feared was not to be promoted by going into foreign Parts: and for their Languages, let others affect them; if he could learn the old Language of Canaan, it was enough for him; and though he would judge no man, he had observed few returned better by Travels, as to their Religion: yea, he remembered of the 12 chosen men of Israel, that were sent out to view other Countries, there were but two who returned the same men they went out; the rest had cast oft God, were corrupt in their Principles, and did much mischief to their Countrymen. He was once set upon by a Friar, who tempted him to go into a Cloister, and to induce him thereunto, he was urgent for him to go see their Chapel how it was adorned, and to hear their Music: and fain would have persuaded him to believe, if any where in the World, there was to be seen Devotion & Sanstity. He presently replied with indignation, Away with your Devotion and Sanctity: Sanctity so utterly opposite to Sincerity, and Devotion totally destructive to the power of Godliness. At last, he sequestered himself in some nook, in a solitary manner, out of all commerce with others. There might he hope quietly to retire himself be free from Persecutions, which he saw did every where attend him; there might he be out of the sight of open Profaneness (more grievous to a godly mind then Persecution itself) there might he enjoy God, the liberty of his Conscience, and pour out his Soul in incessant Prayers, and enjoy communion with his Soul-beloved Saviour. This was mighty pleasing: But he remembered that man was made for Society; and he had those Scriptures came to his mind: None of us live to ourselves, We are members one of another, None of us are to seek our own things only, but every one for the good of others. And he called to mind how prejudicial Solitude had ever been to the best of men. That God had said, it was not good for the first-Adam, no not in innocency, to be alone; nor was it safe for the first-woman to be alone, even in Paradise; nor was it safe for the second-Adam, the first begotten of the whole Creation, and the only Conqueror of the Devil, to be alone in a Wilderness: He concluded therefore, That it was excess of Passion and Zeal, which transported David & Jeremy, to wish themselves into a Wilderness; and doubtless that it was unavoidable Persecutions which drove Elias and others, into their Caves and Solitudes: for his part, he thought he was bound to honour God, as much as was possible, by doing good to Humane Society.  
After sometime spent in this unsettled condition, it pleased God to bring Godliness acquainted with father Gravity, of whom I made mention before; a true friend and faithful. Counsellor, to all who advised with him. A comely old man, and of much experience: he knew both Court and Country; and there was scarcely any passage of note in his time, or long before, but he was well acquainted with it.  
Godliness was much cheered, when he saw his amiable and lovely countenance, and his long grey hairs; Discourseth much with him, and receives the best satisfaction from him, that he had met with many a day: after much good and serious conference, he enquireth of him, it he could inform him where a convenient House might be had for money, Town or Country. He tells, he was glad he asked, that he might both help a Neighbour to so good a Tenant; and him (though a stranger as yet) to so good accommodations. He bids him return to the Town again, and about the middle of it, turn aside a little out of the Road; there dwelled just midway, as he could guests, between Riches and Poverty, old Labour, a good honest Neighbour, and the best House keeper in all the Parish; He had a convenient House to let, and would be glad of a good Tenant: for he was loath any thing should lie dead upon his hand.  
Thither than he goes, as he was directed; and when he came to knock at his door, he found him within; he was seldom abroad; and he had been hard at work, with his Wife Prudence (a comely Woman, and a very cleanly Housewife) sitting close to her Wheel; and the Children all of them doing somewhat. They were all in a handsome habit of good Broadcloth; no Lace or Trimming that was costly, but whole and handsome. The house without well built, and in good repair; within very near, every room well furnished. Besides, Labours pedigree was very ancient; he came of Adam's second Son, innocent Abel, who learned him first to keep sheep, then to spin the wool; and Labour was all the issue he left behind him, when he died. This Labour said moreover, That his Ancestors had done the greatest exploits that the World had ever seen: That they had built all those great and ancient Cities in the World, all Towns, Forts, Castles, and Bridges: That Ninive, Babylon, Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, were all built by Labours own hands: That Labour had fought many a sore Battle, gained many famous Victories, conquered most Nations, gained the greatest Dominions, established the wholsomest Laws and Rules of Government; had travelled all Countries, had been at tho Indies, and thence brought and transported all their richest Pearls, Spices and Commodities, and trafficked with them into all other Countries: That the Pyramids of Egypt, and all the other Wonders of the World, were of Labours own handiwork and foundation: That he had invented Tillage, improved Lands, leveled Mountains, drained Fens, invented all Arts and Sciences; bred the best Scholars; and the most excellent Books extant, were of his composing. Godliness tells him, he had heard much good of him, and that his Ancestors, and Labours, were old acquaintance, and had loved dearly, living neighbourly together; and therefore he desired to take that House he had to let, and that he would be as good a Tenant as he could let it to; and promised him, he should lose nothing by him. He told him moreover, it was Godliness which learned Labour the first way of thriving; and that it was their two Fathers together, who had performed the most renowned undertake. Labour indeed had done very much, but by Godliness' directions and expense. The most pious and beneficial Acts, witness Noahs-Ark, and Solomon's Temple, The one built by Labour hands, but at the sole charge and by the Divine direction of Godliness; and the other, though every stone and piece of Timber was hewed and made ready, and joined together by Labours pains; yet it was Godliness' purse that paid for all, and maintained the service, and found the daily sacrifice: It was Labour indeed that fetched the stone and timber from Lebanon; but it was only Godliness, without Labour, that fetched the fire from Heaven. And if the Commonwealth was upheld by Labour, it was only Godliness the Church was raised, supported, and preserved by. It was Godliness that spread the Gospel, converted Infidels, continually assisted all the famous Prophets and Apostles; and doth to this day enable the faithful Ministers in the happy employment and success in their Ministry. And if Labour had at any time put forth any useful Writings, yet the best Books which were in the World, were all of Godliness' putting forth.  
They were soon agreed, and agreed most lovingly together, and resolved never to part. Labours House stood in a very wholesome air, near the Church; which made Godliness like it the better: the whole House very healthful; seldom was any sick there, not did they die till full of days. The Children looked all with ruddy and lively countenances: you might know whose Children they were, by their very faces. A few servants there were, called Forecast, Diligence, Expedition, Cheerfulness, Perseverance; good risers all, and tough workmen: But Labour set many poor people a work, and paid them duly; and by that means enabled many, poor before, to pay their debts, and to provide comfortably for themselves and their Families, and to relieve the poor; yea, Labour provided Stocks and Pensions for their Widows and Children of such, who had been honest and careful in their business.  
Labour had lived well before; but when Goodness became his Neighbour, you would wonder how he came on and increased, as if Jacob had been come again into Laban's fields, or Joseph into Potiphers house, or the Ark into Obed-Edom. For Godliness taught him how to seek, and get a blessing for him and his; brought him to pray in his Family, to instruct his children and servants in Catechising, to call upon God, as duly as to rise out of their beds; and to fly-lying, swearing, profaneness, and irreligiousness, as much as idleness. And he told him withal, there was a friend of his was shortly to come that way (for he had a good promise for it) who would make them both happy: his name was Content.  
I should have told you also, That though there was an old Church hard by Labours house, when Godliness came thither, yet it was much gone to decay; and, which was more trouble to Godliness, there was no Minister: there had been one it seems some years before (a Godly ancient man, and very painful:) Labour told him, he preached, Catechised, and expounded constantly; he did not think there was a Parish in a good way, better ordered: It would have done you good, to see how people loved the Church, kept the Sabbath, and what love was among the Neighbours. But that good old man was dead, and now Nobody cared whether they had a Minister or no: They thought any body that could speak, might preach; and as for Prayer, and reading the Scripture, singing of Psalms, and the Sacraments, he saw there were few did regard them now a days; and if the Church should fall down to the ground, he knew none would take care to repair it. There were many sufficient men in the Parish, he said; but they loved their money too well: and there was one above all the rest, called Riches, worth thousands; but he was neither friend to the poor, nor the Church; but would rather spend 100 l. on his Pride, Luxury, and Riot, then allow 40 s. towards the maintenance of a good Minister. But as for me, said Labour, as poor a man as I am, if my Neighbours would be ruled by me, we would not for shame let the Church fall, and live like Heathens, without one to guide us: whosoever will be at the cost, I would bestow my pains; and it should go hard, but I would find somewhat for such a good work. God's blessing on thy heart, said Godliness; I shall love thee the better for it, while I know thee: we will between us, see to get the Church fitted, and then look out for a Minister; and if thou wilt be at the pains, I will bear all the charges, whatsoever it cost, though I leave the less to my Children.  
My Ancestors have always been great friends to the Church and a godly Ministry; They have at heir own charge, built many Churches from the ground, and richly endowed them for the comfortable maintaining of the Minister, when they had done. One of my Progenitors, called Obadiah, had alone p ovided an hundred Prophets in a time of a famine, fed them with bread and water by fifty in a Cave, which was as good fare as he had himself; and he believed, none of his friends were ever the poorer for such good works; but still God had blessed them the more abundantly. He for his part were not worthy to be called by the name of Godliness, if he should be backward in such a business: and his Wife Philadelphia, he was sure, would put her helping hand; for she was once Sister to Dorcas, that was so full of good works, and alms deeds which she did, and was so much lamented, when she was dead and gone. To be short, they concluded between them to fall upon the work; and the Church was but newly repaired in a plain and decent manner, and a good Minister settled in the place, when Content came.  
This Content is not of earthly extraction, never came out of the loins of Adam at all; But I suppose might be that Melchizedeck, who had neither Father or Mother recorded on earth: and sure I am, it was Melchizedeck which blessed Abraham, and his Posterity. Certain I am, he was with Adam in Paradise, before his fall; and before his Creation, among the Angels; and before their Creation, had been with the blessed Trinity from all eternity. He was not often seen on earth, since Adam's exile out of Paradise; yet now and then hath he given a vi t to some of Labours friends, and Godliness acquaintance.  
He is always attended with many gallant followers: his chief friends, I well remember, of whom he made most account, were called Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, and Assurance; and one above all the rest, called Peace of Conscience. He was wont also often to speak of a great Benefactor, long since deceased, to whom he was infinitely obliged, who had been the maker of him: he would say, how dearly he had loved him; he still called him his Lord and Saviour at every word (sure then it could be no other, than the Son of God) how he had done and suffered much for his sake, who had never deserved the least favour from him; that had it not been for his singular bounty, and extreme sufferings, his name had never been Content; but sin, misery, and despair; for he had been in great distress and danger, having many great enemies to deal with, and many unconceivable calamities lay upon him, But by flying to him, acquaintance with him, and submission to his yoke, he had found this unexpressible rest to his Soul. He related also, how he had bestowed on him a Coat of divers colours; one so pure white, as no Fuller on Earth could whiten; which is the clear Linen and white, the righteousness of Saints, called the righteousness of Sanctification: The other so red, as the purest blood on Earth, not the blood of Abel, could make so pure red.  
This is the righteousness of believers, known by the name of the righteousness of Justification before the Throne of God. And that he had, besides much grace already bestowed, promised him a rich Robe, and Crown of Glory.  
He and his retinue, make that place and family happy, wheresoever they do but lodge. This noble Content, in his return homewards, called in at Poverty's shed, enquiring if there were any room for such guests; they said no, but likely at the end of the Town, where Riches dwelled, there they might find entertainment. Thither they went, and desired entrance, but were answered, That none neither knew him or any of his company, nor ever heard of such names, unless at a house Midway between this and Poverties, called Godlinesses, next door to Labours. There they had heard of some such unusual and outlandish names, as Sobriety, Temperance, etc. so shut the door upon him. Thither this noble man comes, and knocks: Godliness opens the door, and knew him so soon as he see him. He told him he had long expected him, and had room enough for him and his company. Content said, A little room is enough for thee and me, We have not long to stay here, away we must, and at our father's house is that will make amends for all. Now did Labour think himself happy, that ever Godliness came to be his neighbour, and teach him his Mystery; and a better Art, the way of thriving, Godliness himself was much happier also, Content dwelling with him, who joined with him in prayer and other duties. Reader, I thou wouldst know Contentments Lodgings, it is in an inner room of Godlinesses, called Sincerity, hung round with Purity of heart, the next door to Labours; there I desire thee to rest, promising to come to thee, where (I am sure) we shall be happy: for what can make a man so happy on earth, as Godliness with Content, which is the greatest gain; having not only the promises of the life which now is, but of that which is to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the Crown of Crowns to Content, as Content is the Crown of Godliness, and Godliness the Crown of Labour, where there shall be no  
END.