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1.4 KiB
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<p>Here are two things which are more valuable and which we should covet more than great riches:—1. To be well spoken of: <i>A name</i> (that is, <i>a good name</i>, a name for good things with God and good people) <i>is rather to be chosen than great riches</i>; that is, we should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name than that by which we may raise and increase a great estate. Great riches bring great cares with them, expose men to danger, and add no real value to a man. A fool and a knave may have <i>great riches</i>, but <i>a good name</i> makes a man easy and safe, supposes a man wise and honest, redounds to the glory of God, and gives a man a greater opportunity of doing good. By great riches we may relieve the bodily wants of others, but by a good name we may recommend religion to them. 2. To be well beloved, to have an interest in the esteem and affections of all about us; this is better <i>than silver and gold</i>. Christ has neither silver nor gold, but he <i>grew in favour with God and man</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="Luke.2.52" href="/passage/?search=Luke.2.52">Luke 2:52</a>. This should teach us to look with a holy contempt upon the wealth of this world, not to set our hearts upon that, but with all possible care to <i>think of those things that are lovely and of good report</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="Phil.4.8" href="/passage/?search=Phil.4.8">Phil. 4:8</a>.</p>
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