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

Answ. No; you shall not need to cast your self upon suffering; nor yet to be without Comfort for want of it. I know no man but may serve God at dearer rates to the flesh then most of us do, without stepping out of the way of his duty: Nay he must do it, except he will avoid his duty. Never had the Church yet such times of prosperity, but that faithful duty would hazard men, and cause their trouble in the flesh. Can you not▪ nay ⟨p. 317⟩ought you not to put your self to greater labour for mens souls? If you should but go day after day among the poor ignorant people where you live, and instruct them in the knowledge of God, and bear with all their weakness and rudeness, and continue thus with Patience; this might cost you some labour, and perhaps contempt from many of the unthankful: and yet you should not do more then your duty, if you have opportunity for it, as most have, or may have, if they will. If you should further hire them to learn Catechisms; if you should extend your liberality to the utmost for relief of the poor, this would cost you somewhat. If you carry on every Just Cause with Resolution, though never so many great friends would draw you to betray it: this may cost you the loss of those friends. If you will but deal plainly with the ungodly, and against all sin, as far as you have opportunity, especially if it be the sins of Rulers and Gentlemen of name and power in the world; it may cost you somewhat. Nay though you were Ambassadors of Christ, whose office is to deal plainly, and not to please men in evil upon pain of Christs displeasure; you may perhaps turn your great friends to be your great enemies. Go to such a Lord, or such a Knight, or such a Gentleman, and tell him freely, ⟨p. 318⟩that God looketh for another manner of spending his time then in hunting and hawking, and sporting and feasting, and that this precious time must be dearly reckoned for: Tell him, that God looks he should be the most eminent in Holiness, and in a Heavenly life, and give an example thereof to all that are below him, as God hath made him more eminent in worldly dignity and possessions. Tell him, that where much is given, much is required; and that a low profession, and dull approbation of that which is good, will serve no man, much less such a man.

Answ. No; you shall not need to cast your self upon suffering; nor yet to be without Comfort for want of it. I know no man but may serve God at dearer rates to the flesh then most of us do, without stepping out of the way of his duty: Nay he must do it, except he will avoyd his duty. Never had the Church yet such times of prosperity, but that faithful duty would hazard men, and cause their trouble in the flesh. Can you not nay