The crucifying of the world

Quest. 11. And if worldliness be so great a sin, I would fain know of you, Whether in reason you can think that their course or yours is the way to overcome it. Dare you say that sitting in an Ale-house, or talking of the world, even on the Lords day, is a better course to overcome the world, then hearing and reading the Directions of the Word of God, and praying to God for assistance against the sin that they are guilty of. I see them take pains to learn those Instructions that should cure them of worldliness, and are glad to fasten them in their memory; and I hear them warn each other to avoid it; and begging of God that he would destroy all the remnants of it in their souls: And I see others follow the world, and live a careless life, and use none of these means. Which of these shall I think in reason doth take the course to conquer the world?

Quest. 12. Moreover, if these men are as bad as you make them, then sure they are none of the people of God, but a pack of hypocrites; then they are not Saints indeed. And then the thing that I would know of you is, Which be the Saints of God, if these be not; and where shall we find them? I hope you know that God hath his Saints on earth, yea that none but Saints shall be saved: For it is expressed in Scripture over and over, Heb. 12. 14. and in many other places. As I said, The Communion of the Saints is an Article of your Creed. Tell us then where they are, if these be not they. Will you go to the Quakers, or to the Papists, Monks and Nuns for them? Or whither will you go? Or will you say, that such as you are the Saints, that reproach holiness, and refuse to lead an holy life? Is idle worldly discourse a better sign of a Saint, then keeping holy the Lords day, and labouring for salvation? Is ignorance of the Scripture, or neglecting it a greater sign of a Saint, then meditating in it day and night? Read the first Psalm, yea all the Scripture, and then judge.