The crucifying of the world

Quest. 13. Do you think if any of them miscarry, it is because they are too much Religious; or rather, because they are too little? Surely it is the later. For, as I said, their Religion severely condemneth covetousness: and therefore if they were more Religious, they would be less Covetous. And he that is most godly, is least worldly: and ordinarily, he that is most ungodly is most worldly.

Quest. 14. Is it not then evident, that other mens sins should move you to be the more Religious and careful of your selves, and not the less? If you see them stumble, you should look the better to your feet, and not cast your selves headlong from the Rock that you should be built upon. You should think with your selves, If such men are so faulty for all the pains they take; how much more pains must I take to escape such faults. If they that run so hard, shall many of them miss of the prize by coming short; it is a mad conceit of you, to think to win it by sitting still, or doing less then they that lost it.

Quest. 15. Lastly, I would advise you to consider, Whether God that justifieth his servants, will suffer you to condemn them? And how you can answer the challenge, Rom. 8. 32, 33. And when Christ hath shed his blood to Absolve them, whether is it likely that he will take it well at them that vilify them? Be it known to the faces of all their enemies, that [The Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation, Psal. 149. 4. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: in those that hope in his mercy, Psalm 147. 11. He is nigh to all them that call upon him; to them that call upon him in truth,