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A few serious and necessary Advices to all those that desire to thrive in the world, and have the blessing of God with it.
1. Assure yourself there can be no honest thriving without the fear of God, and the exercise of a good conscience, and therefore, above all things, disengage yourself from that business and those diversions that stand in opposition with that godly fear, that ought to be a guide to you in all your actions.
2. Avoid the company of all vicious persons, whatsoever as much as you can; for no vice is alone, and all are infectious; Especially avoid all such persons as are scandalous, either for profession or manners, for you run his hazard, and espouse his disreputation; and such as are swearers, prophane blasphemers, &c.
3. Be sure not to keep company with drunkards and busy bodies, and all such as are apt to talk much to little purpose; for no man can be provident of his time, that is not prudent in the choice of his company.
4. Beware of idleness, and fill up the empty spaces of your time in useful employments; for vice creeps in, when the soul is unemployed, and the body at ease.
5. Avoid the filthy sin of whoredom, which brings the curse of God upon men's bodies and estates: "For a whorish woman is a deep ditch, and he that is abhorred of the Lord, shall fall therein."
6. Pray to God when you begin any work, that by his help, you may bring it to a good conclusion.
