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…

3 It not only stirs, but is also too strong for us many times. It is one thing to have the motions of it, and another thing to be overcome by it; therefore in the third place Self may carry a man to that which crosseth his desire: hence Abraham told a lye, David feigned himself mad, Abraham feared his life, therefore speaks falsely: David feared his life, therefore expresseth foolishness in his practise. Self-sufficiency, and self-practise made Peter deny his Master, and yet not withstanding all this, the Saints do deny themselves. And the trials thereof are four.

3 It not onely stirres, but is also too strong for us many times. It is one thing to have the motions of it, and another thing to be overcome by it; therfore in the third place Selfe may carry a man to that which crosseth his desire: hence Abraham told a lye, David fained himselfe mad, Abraham feared his life, therefore speakes falsely: David feared his life, therefore expresseth foolishnesse in his practise. Selfe-sufficiency, and selfe-practise made Peter deny his Master, and yet not withstanding all this, the Saints doe deny themselves. And the tryals thereof are foure.

1 See what a price thou puttest upon life and safety, whether thou art not content to part with them, or whether thou partest with all that may cross them: if thou puttest such sufficiency in life and parts, know thou art no self-denier. It is easy for a man to be frequent in service, that may further credit, but when it comes to the pinch, that either Baal must be God, or that Christ must be God, art thou then content to take the wall of Christ? then as yet thou art a god to thy self, Acts 20.24.¹ I count not my life dear unto me, that I may finish my course with joy: the finishing of Pauls course is a careful perseverance for the glory of God, as who should say, had I put a price on safety, I had never been able to discharge the duty of an Apostle, but it is not precious, as who should say, I weigh it not: he that serves himself by serving Christ, makes Christ serve him, he serves not Christ. Satan accused Job thus, Doth Job serve God for nought? as who should say, he doth not serve God, but himself in serving of God, he serves his own honour, that serves Christ for honour: he that doth service for riches, doth not serve Christ, but his profit and riches. When Pilate would see whether they would have Christ, he saith,