If I rejoiced, to wit, carnally and excessively, esteeming myself happy therein without God's love and favour; for otherwise it is not only lawful, but a duty and gift of God, moderately and thankfully to rejoice in the good things of this life; of which see Deuteronomy 12:7 Ecclesiastes 2:24 3:12,13 5:18,19. Because mine hand had gotten much; ascribing my wealth to my own wit or industry, rather than to God's goodness and mercy. And these sins he the rather mentions, partly for his own vindication, lest it should be thought that God took away his estate because he had abused it to pride, or carnal confidence, or luxury, or the oppression of others, &c.; and partly for the instruction of mankind in succeeding generations, that they might take notice of the malignity and odiousness of these practices, which by most men are reputed either laudable or harmless, or at worst but light and trivial miscarriages.

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