Final answer:
Puritans believed that material wealth was a sign of God's favor, aligning with their values of hard work and prudence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans had specific beliefs regarding worldly possessions. They considered material wealth not as an inherently sinful thing, but rather as a sign of God's favor. This notion is supported by the fact that Puritans believed in the Protestant work ethic, which involves the concept of predestination, suggesting that God has already chosen those who will be saved and their success in life could be a manifestation of this divine favor. However, along with this, they also valued modesty and a chaste life, emphasizing that wealth should be obtained through hard work and used responsibly.
Thus, among the options provided about Puritan beliefs regarding material wealth, the closest match would be A) Material wealth is a sign of God's favor. This reflects their view that success, including economic wealth, was a sign that one was living in accordance with God's will and serving their calling.