is the best method of accomplishing good designs. Our own industry,
good use of the parts and faculties God hath given us, embracing
fair opportunities, God's blessing and providence, are sufficient
means to rely upon for procuring, in an honest way, whatever is
convenient for us. These are ways approved, and amiable to all men;
they procure the best friends, and fewest enemies; they afford to
the practises a cheerful courage, and good hope; they meet with less
disappointment, and have no regret or shame attending them. He that
hath recourse to the other base means, and "maketh lies his refuge,"
as he renounceth all just and honest means, as he disclaimeth all
hope in God's assistance, and forfeiteth all pretence to His
blessing: so he cannot reasonably expect good success, or be
satisfied in any undertaking. The supplanting way indeed seems the
most curt and compendious way of bringing about dishonest or
dishonourable designs: but as good design is certainly dishonoured
thereby, so is it apt thence to be defeated; it raises up enemies
and obstacles, yielding advantages to whoever is disposed to cross
us. As in trade it is notorious that the best course to thrive is
by dealing squarely and truly; any fraud or cozenage appearing there
doth overthrow a man's credit, and drive away custom from him: so
in all other transactions, as he that dealeth justly and fairly will
have his affairs proceed roundly, and shall find men ready to comply
with him, so he that is observed to practise falsehood will be
declined by some, opposed by others, disliked by all: no man scarce
willingly will have to do with him; he is commonly forced to stand
out in business, as one that plays foul play.

4. Lastly, the slanderer is a very fool, as bringing many great
inconveniences, troubles, and mischiefs on himself.