The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

2. Judge not by the present view, but by the consequent, and consider what will be at that day; you think, liberty is sweet, but look not at the present; but the glory of a good course is afterwards; mark the end, and so look at Dives and Lazarus, none would be in. Lazarus his condition now, in this life, who would not be a Dives now? to go in brave satin, and fare deliciously every day; but look to the end, they both dye, and Lazarus goes into Abraham's bosom, that is, into heaven, and Dives to hell: whether hadst thou rather be Dives, or Lazarus now? I make no question, but all will say, it were better to be a Lazarus now; so judge of these things by the end, and consequence, whether is it better to study the word, and to lay down pride, or to vaunt it, and play the Ruffian? one is praying, another is playing, which is easiest? the one is not troubled, but merry, and that were best, if it would hold; but judge by the end, and imagine the day of judgement came, whether would you be then, a broken heart, or a Ruffian? 2 Thess. 1.7, 8.¹ and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, nor obey his Gospel. God comes, and saith to the troubled, Rest: thou hast been troubled before ever eased; but as for him that ruffians it out now, the Lord Jesus will come with flaming fire in vengeance against him, on whom will God take vengeance? the text saith, on them that know him not: Now judge by the end, whether of these is best: say Conscience, whether wouldst thou have ⟨p. 16⟩God find thee sporting, or praying at that day? is it not better now to be troubled, then hereafter everlastingly to be confounded? Judge with righteous judgement, it is tedious to be with Paul in prison, but it is not tedious to be with him in heaven; Judge therefore as the word judgeth, and ye shall not be deluded.

2. Iudge not by the present view, but by the consequent, and consider what will be at that day; you thinke, liberty is sweet, but looke not at the present; but the glory of a good course is afterwards; marke the end, and so looke at Dives and Lazarus, none would be in. Lazarus his condition now, in this life, who would not be a Dives now? to goe in brave sattin, and fare deliciously every day; but looke to the end, they both dye, and Lazarus goes into Abrahams bosome, that is, into heaven, and Dives to hell: whether hadst thou rather be Dives, or Lazarus now? I make no question, but all will say, it were better to be a Lazarus now; so judge of these things by the end, and consequence, whether is it better to study the word, and to lay downe pride, or to vaunt it, and play the Ruffian? one is praying, another is playing, which is easiest? the one is not troubled, but merry, and that were best, if it would hold; but judge by the end, and imagine the day of judgement came, whether would you be then, a broken heart, or a Ruffian?