The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

But because it is not the work of a flatterer, that I am doing, but of a friend; I must second these commendations with some caution and counsel; and tell your selves of your danger and duty, as I tell others of your exemplary Deeds. Truly the sad experiences of these times, have much abased my confidence in man, and caused me to have lower thoughts of the best, then sometime I have had. I confess I look on man, as such a distempered, slippery and unconstant thing, and of such a natural mutability of Apprehensions and Affections, that as I shall never more call any man on earth, My friend, but with a supposition that he may possibly become mine enemy; So I shall never be so confident of any mans Fidelity to Christ, as not withal to suspect that he may possibly forsake him: nor shall I boast of any mans service for the Gospel, but with a jealousy that he may ⟨image 5⟩be drawn to do as much against it (though God who knows the heart, and knows his own decrees, may know his sincerity, and foreknow his perseverance.) Let me therefore remember you, that had you expended your whole estates, and the blood of your hearts for Christ and his Gospel, he will not take himself beholden to you. He oweth you no Thanks for your deepest engagements, highest adventures, greatest cost, or utmost endeavours. You are sure beforehand that you shall be no losers by him: your seeming hazards increase your security: Your losses are your gain; your giving is your receiving; your expenses are your revenues: Christ returns the largest usury. The more you do and suffer for him, the more you are beholden to him. I must also remember you, that you may possibly live to see the day, when it will cost you dearer to show your selves faithful •o the Gospel, Ordinances and Ministers of Christ, then now it doth: and ⟨image 6⟩that many have shrunk in greater trials, that past through lesser with resolution and honour. Your defection at the last, would be the loss of all your works and hopes. If any man draw back, Christ saith, his soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But because it is not the work of a flatterer, that I am doing, but of a friend; I must second these commendations with some caution and counsel; and tell your selves of your danger and duty, as I tell others of your exemplary Deeds. Truly the sad experiences of these times, have much abased my confidence in man, and caused me to have lower thoughts of the best, then sometime I have had. I confess I look on man, as such a distempered, slippery and unconstant thing, and of such a natural mutability of Apprehensions and Affections, that as I shall never more call any man on earth, My friend, but with a supposition that he may possibly become mine enemie; So I shall never be so confident of any mans Fidelity to Christ, as not withal to suspect that he may possibly forsake him: nor shall I boast of any mans service for the Gospel, but with a jealousie that he may