Moses his self-denial delivered in a treatise upon Hebrews 11, the 24. verseMoses his self-denyall delivered in a treatise upon Hebrewes 11, the 24. verse

CHAP. V.

It is a special argument of sincerity, that when the profession of Religion proves costly to us, yet we continue in it.

It is a speciall argument of sincerity, that when the profession of Religion proves costly to us, yet we continue in it.

First this argues great sincerity: now the truth of grace appears indeed to be religious, when religion must cost us something; this is an argument of truth of grace: to be religious, when by religion we may get the comforts of the world, this is no argument of sincerity. Hence Jewish writers tell us, that in Solomons time, when the Jews prospered in all worldly felicity, then they were careful how they entertained Proselytes, because many would be coming then upon worldly respects to join with them: but to profess religion when it requires the loss of all outward comforts, and that at those times, when the sweetness of them is most enjoyed, this is some thing like: to profess the truth while we may live upon it, this ⟨p. 111⟩argues no truth; but to profess it when it must live upon us, upon our honours, upon our profits and pleasures, and earthly contentments, this is a strong argument of truth: as to see the beauty of religion through troubles, through all outward disrespects, this is something: for to see the evil of sin through all outward glory, respect and contentment in this world, when it may be enjoyed to the full, this is much; surely here is truth, here is a piercing eye that is enlightened and quickened by the spirit of God. It was a true sign that those nobles of Israel we read of in the