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…

Use 2 It is a word of instruction also, to show us the reason why many that seem to follow Christ, persevere not in a good course, but turn all into a smoke, such as have took press-money of Christ, and turn to the enemy: the cause is, they went not the ready way, they did not Deny-self▪ ⟨p. 50⟩therefore in conclusion, they deny our Saviour; they that take up the profession of religion, and forsake it when opportunity is offered, the reason of it is, they did not forsake themselves, therefore they forsake our Saviour, the way of Self-denial Christ walked in, John 8.50.¹ he sought not himself and his own glory, nay, he emptied himself when he led captivity captive, he laid down all; had not he denied himself, woe had been to our souls; but he laid down his life, and if you purpose to be his Disciples, you must lay down life and self too; this is the reason why those who in former times thought their money as good silver as another's, yet they have turned away in the day of battle, and are become the deadliest enemies to Christ that are, here is the ground, Self stuck behind, Matth. 7. Strive to enter in as the strait gate, for strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth to happiness: there is a strait gate before a narrow way, and because men go not through the strait gate, they go not through the narrow way: the strait gate is Self-denial, you must strip your selves stark naked; hence one stumbles, and another staggers in the narrow way: the way is narrow, you mist the strait gate, and so fall short of the narrow way. Idle travellers when they come in dirty ways, will break a gap, and wandering a great way, and not finding the way, they are forced to come back, and go the same way they went at the first▪ so men will be Christians so long as they may keep ease, the drunkard would go to heaven, if he might carry an Ale-house on his back, &c. but when they come to ⟨p. 51⟩any difficulty, they break a gap in a Christian course: it befalls many a professor as it doth an idle buyer, he will be cheapening, but will not buy, because he will not come to the price: therefore take notice of it, you come to cheapen, you would have grace, and you would be saved, but you will not have it on Christs terms, you will not deny your selves, which must be, if ever you be saved by Christ.