The counterfeit Christian, or, The danger of hypocrisy opened in two sermons

Consider of these few Questions, and do not doubt but that your Hearts are sincere, when you can give a comfortable Answer to them, though it be with some fear and doubts that still may arise in you. A true Christian is ready to mistake his Portion, and take that to be his, that belongs to an Hypocrite; as an Hypocrite on the other hand, mistakes that which belongs to him, and applies that to himself, which is the Portion of sincere Christians: but Grace is like a small Seed at first, that cannot be soon espied in the House, i.e. the Heart, especially when there is much Smoke and Darkness yet remaining.

Consider of these few Questions, and do not doubt but that your Hearts are sincere, when you can give a comfortable Answer to them, though it be with some fear and doubts that still may arise in you. A true Christian is ready to mistake his Portion, and take that to be his, that belongs to an Hypocrite; as an Hypocrite on the other hand, mistakes that which belongs to him, and applies that to himself, which is the Portion of sincere Christians: but Grace is like a small Seed at first, that cannot be soon espied in the House, i.e. the Heart, especially when there is much Smoak and Darkness yet remaining.

But may be some may say,¹ What you have said, tends to take us off of Holy Duties and Obedience.

1. 1Object.

God forbid:¹ for though we would not have you rest or depend upon your Duties and Obedience; yet let me tell you, a godly Man, or he that is a true Christian,