Divers practical cases of conscience satisfactorily resolved ... to which are added some counsels…

The Counsels are These

Coun. I. That you put hard to it to get that by these hazardous opportunities that may quit all your Cost. What pity is it that you should adventure much and yet gain but little? How sad would it be if you should at last suffer deeply for your Conscientious attendance upon God in such seasons, and when you come into a Prison or into Banishment, should find that you had not got that by them that would bear you out.

Coun. I. THat you put hard to it to get that by these hazardous opportunities that may quit all your Cost. What pitty is it that you should adventure much and yet gain but little? How sad would it be if you should at last suffer deeply for your Conscientious attendance upon God in such seasons, and when you come into a Prison or into Banishment, should find that you had not got that by them that would bear you out.

Coun. II. That you value no mercy barely as it serves in content to your flesh; but as it stands in order to Eternity; and may serve to the furthering of your Makers Glory. God hath preserved your liberties, and hath restored mine: But what of all this? unless we improve our liberties for Eternity, what are we better then those that are in Prison? If this be all the advantage we have, a little more content to our flesh. The Cypher put to the Figure is of great consideration, but put by it self it signifies nothing at all. These Creature comforts separated from their respect to God, and Eternity, are of no value: but in order to these ends, they signify much. We have ease and fullness, when many others are in pains, and in poverty; And we have much the start of them if we be wise to improve our health in laying in apace against a wet day, and preparing apace for Eternity: and if we serve the Lord with the more abundant diligence, and cheerfulness, and gladness of heart, in the abundance of all things. But if this be all we have by it, that our bones do lie a little softer, and our palates are tickled with a little the more delight, what profit have we by our health, or our estates? If they that be sick, or poor do love the Lord as well, or serve the Lord as much as we, they have the advantage of us; and better were it for us to be poor and sick as they be.