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Bunyan, John, 1628-1688

"The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream, by John Bunyan"


{258} 4. I conclude, then, that a minister that changes a small
for a great, should not, for so doing, be judged as covetous; but
rather, since he has improved in his parts and industry thereby,
be counted as one that pursues his call, and the opportunity put
into his hands to do good.
{259} And now to the second part of the question, which concerns
the tradesman you mentioned. Suppose such a one to have but a poor
employ in the world, but by becoming religious, he may mend his
market, perhaps get a rich wife, or more and far better customers
to his shop; for my part, I see no reason but that this may be
lawfully done. For why --
1. To become religious is a virtue, by what means soever a man
becomes so.
2. Nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, or more custom to my
shop.
3. Besides, the man that gets these by becoming religious, gets
that which is good, of them that are good, by becoming good himself;
so then here is a good wife, and good customers, and good gain,
and all these by becoming religious, which is good; therefore, to
become religious, to get all these, is a good and profitable design.
{260} This answer, thus made by this Mr.


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