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

ANSWER.

1. ALL the Religions in the world, besides the Christian Religion, have either much error and wickedness mixed with some Truth of God, or they contain some lesser parcel of that Truth alone (as the Jews) Only the Christian Religion hath that whole Truth which is saving. Now so much of Gods Truth as there is in any of these Religions, so much it may work Good effects upon their souls; as the knowledge of the Godhead, and that God is Holy, Good, Just, Merciful, and that he showeth them much undeserved Mercy in his daily ⟨p. 418⟩providences, &c. But mark these two things, 1. That all persons of false Religions do more easily and greedily embrace the false part of their Religion then the true; and those they are zealous for, and practice with all their might, because their natural corruption doth befriend it, and is as combustible fuel for the fire of Hell to catch in: but that Truth of God which is mixed with their Error, if it be practical, they fight against it, and abhor it while they hold it, because it crosseth their lusts: insomuch that it is usually but some few of the more convinced and civil that God in providence maketh the main Instruments of continuing those Truths of his in that part of the wicked world: For we find that even among Pagans the Profaner and more sensual sort did deride the better sort, as our profane Christians do the godly whom they called Puritans. 2. Note, that the Truth of God which in these false Religions is still acknowledged, is so small a part and so oppressed by Errors, that it is not sufficient to their salvation (that is, to give them any sound Hope) nor is it sufficient to make such clear and deep and powerful Impressions in their minds as may make them Holy or truly Heavenly, or may overcome in them the Interest of the world and the flesh.

1. ALL the Religions in the world, besides the Christian Religion, have either much errour and wickedness mixt with some Truth of God, or they contain some lesser parcel of that Truth alone (as the Jews) Onely the Christian Religion hath that whole Truth which is saving. Now so much of Gods Truth as there is in any of these Religions, so much it may work Good effects upon their souls; as the knowledge of the Godhead, and that God is Holy, Good, Just, Merciful, and that he sheweth them much undeserved Mercy in his daily