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

1. That a cheap Religion is a far more uncertain evidence of sincerity, then a dear. it will not discover so well to a mans own soul, whether he prefer Christ before the world, and whether he take him and his Benefits for his Portion and Treasure.

2. That a cheap Religion is not usually accompanied with any notable degree of Comforts, although the person be a sincere-hearted Christian.

Every Hypocrite can submit to a Religion that will cost him little: much more which will get Reputation with men of greatest Wisdom and Piety: Yea he may stick to it, so it will not undo him in the world▪ If a man have knowledge, and gifts of utterance, and strength of body, it is no costly matter ⟨p. 315⟩to speak many good words, or to be earnest in opposing the sins of others, and to preach zealously and frequently (much more if he have double honour by it, Reverent Obedience, and Maintenance, as Ministers of the Gospel have, or ought to have.) It is hard to discern sincerity in such a course of Piety and Duty. Woe to those Persecutors that shall put us to the Trial, how far we can go in suffering for Christ: but it should be a matter of Rejoicing to us, when we are put upon it. To be Patient in Tribulation is not enough: but to Rejoice in it, is also the duty of a Saint. Let those that think this draweth men to Rejoice too much in themselves, but hear what the Lord Jesus himself saith, and his Spirit in his Apostles, Mat. 5 10, 11, 12. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil sayings against you falsely for my names sake: Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.]