The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Therefore to divert our attention from base things — allow me to
propound this question unto you: Suppose a man, a minister, or a
tradesman — should have an opportunity before him to obtain the good
things of this life. Yet he cannot obtain them unless, in appearance at
least, he becomes extraordinarily zealous in some points of religion
which he had no interest in beforehand. May he not use such religion to
attain his end — and still be a righteous and honest man?"
MR. MONEY-LOVE: "I see the bottom of your question. With these
gentlemen's permission, I will endeavor to give you an answer. Firstly,
to speak to your question as it concerns a minister himself. Suppose
there is a minister, a worthy man, who had only a very small salary —
but desires a greater and more lucrative income. He now has an
opportunity of getting it — but only by being more studious, by
preaching more frequently and zealously; and, because the disposition
of the people requires it — by altering some of his principles. For my
part, I see no problem with a minister doing this — yes, and a great deal
more besides — and still remain an honest man. I say this, for the
following reasons:
"First, it cannot be denied that his desire for a larger income is lawful —
since it is put before him by Providence. So then, he
may strive to obtain it, without his conscience raising any questions.
"Secondly, his desire for a more lucrative income makes him more
studious, a more zealous preacher, and so forth — thus making him
better man. Yes, it also makes him improve his natural abilities, which
is according to the mind of God.
"Thirdly, as for his complying with the disposition of his people, by
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