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

How much more diligently then must they help mens souls, and the Church of Christ, as the need is greater, and the work better▪ Oh the blinding power of Riches! O the easiness of mans heart to be deluded! Do Rich men never think to lie rotting in the dust? do they never think that they must be accountable for all their Riches? and for all their Time, and Power, and Interests? Do they not know that it will comfort them more at Death & Judgement, to hear in their reckoning, Item so much given to such & such Poor? so much to promote the Gospel? so much to maintain poor Scholars while they study to prepare themselves for the Ministry? ⟨p. 339⟩&c. then to hear, so much in such a Feast? to entertain such Gallants? to please such Noble friends? so much at dice, at cards, at horse-races, at cock-fights? so much in excess of Apparel? and the rest to leave my Posterity in the like pomp? Do they not know that it will comfort them more to hear then of their time spent in Reading Scripture, secret and open Prayer, Instructing and examining their Children and Servants; going to their poor Neighbours houses to see what they want, and to persuade them to godliness; and in being examples of eminent holiness to all; and in suppressing Vice, and doing Justice; then to hear of so much time spent in Vain Recreations, Visits, Luxuries and Idleness? O deep Unbelief and hardness of heart, that makes Gentlemen that they tremble not to think of this Reckoning: Well, let me tell both them and all men, that if they knew but either that undispensable duty of Doing Good, that lieth on them, or how necessary and sure a way (in subordination to Christ) this act of Doing Good is for the souls Peace and consolation, they would study it better, and practice it more faithfully then now they do: They would then be glad of an opportunity to do Good, for their own Gain, as well as for Gods honour, and for the love of Good it self. They would know that lending ⟨p. 340⟩to the Lord is the only thriving Usury; and that no part of all their Time, Riches, Interest in men, Power or Honours will be then comfortable to them, but that which was laid out for God; And they will one day find, that God will not take up with the scraps of their Time and Riches which their flesh can spare; but he will be first served, even before all comers, and that with the best, or he will take them for no servants of his.