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causes, Dan. iv. 30; sacrificing to your own net, Hab. i. 15, 16. (3.) High-mindedness, 1 Tim. vi. 17; thinking too well of yourself, because you have that which others have not, and despising and thinking too meanly of those, who have not what you possess, 1 Cor. xi. 22. (4.) If riches increase, or if you thrive in any other earthly thing, set not your heart thereon, Psa. lxii. 10; 1 Tim. vi. 17, either in taking too much delight therein, Job xxxi. 25, or in trusting thereto. Holy Job, and good David, were in some particulars overtaken with this fault. When Job was prospered, he entertained this secure conceit, that he should die in his nest, and multiply his days as the sand, Job xxix. 18; and David in his prosperity said, he should never be moved, Psa. xxx. 6. But the Lord by afflictions taught them both to know by experience, how vain all earthly things are to trust unto, and ingenuously to confess their error.

2d. I reduce the good effects or fruits, which are the principal ends why God gives good success, unto these two heads: (1.) Professed praise and thankfulness to God. (2.) Real proofs of the said thankfulness, in well using and employing this good success for God.

SECT. 1. MOTIVES TO PRAISE AND THANKFULNESS.

First, Praise and thank God. For, (1.) It is the chief and most lasting service and worship, which God has required of you. (2.) It is most due, Psa. xxix. 2, and due to him only; he only is worthy, Rev. iv. 11, v. 12; for of him are all things, Rom. xi. 36, and he is called the God of praises. (3.) It is the end why God declares his excellency and goodness, both in his word and works, Prov. xvi. 4, that it may be matter of praise and thanksgiving; also why he has given man a heart to understand, and a tongue to speak, that for them, and with them, as by apt instruments, they might acknowledge his goodness and excellency; thinking and speaking to his praise and