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

The case of some Professors of Godliness that I have known is very lamentable in this point: who being generally noted for a dangerous measure of worldliness, by most that know them, could yet never be brought to acknowledge it in themselves: Nay by the excellency of their outward duties and discourse, and the strength of their wits (alas, ill employed) and by their great ability of speech, to put a fair gloss on the foulest of their actions, they have gone on so smoothly and plausibly in their worldliness, that though most accused them of it behind their backs, yet no man knew how to fasten any thing on them. By which means they were hindered from repentance and recovery.

The case of some Professors of Godliness that I have known is very lamentable in this point: who being generally noted for a dangerous measure of worldliness, by most that know them, could yet never be brought to acknowledge it in themselves: Nay by the excellency of their outward duties and discourse, and the strength of their wits (alas, ill imployed) and by their great ability of speech, to put a fair gloss on the foulest of their actions, they have gone on so smoothly and plausibly in their worldliness, that though most accused them of it behinde their backs, yet no man knew how to fasten any thing on them. By which means they were hindered from repentance and recovery.

In this sad case, though it be Gods course very often to let hypocrites and other enemies go on and prosper, because they have their portion in this life, and the reckoning is to come; yet I have oft observed that for Gods own people, or those that he means to make his people by their recovery, God useth to cross them in their worldly desires and designs: Perhaps he may let them thrive a while, and congratulate the prosperity of their flesh, but at last he breaks in suddenly on their wealth, and scatters it ⟨p. 299⟩abroad, or addeth some cross to it that embitters it all to them, and then asketh them, Where is now your Idol? and then they begin to see their folly. If you do dote on any thing below to the neglecting of God, he will make a rod for you of that very thing you dote upon; and by it will he scourge you home to himself.