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…

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, Matth. 27.21.² Will you that I let loose to you, Christ or Barabbas? as who should say, I shall see now whether your hearts are toward him, they reply, not Christ, but Barabbas, as who should say, we will have none of Christ. Let me make Proclamation, will ye have the glory of God, or safety? shall I give to you the commodity of prayers or profit? whether shall I let loose to you meditation ⟨p. 54⟩on the word of God, or profaneness on the Lords day? saith one, let me have profit, saith another, let me have profane sports, take you your prayer, preaching, &c. saith another, if Popery come, I will be a Papist: yea saith the drunkard, give me my cups, and take you the repetition of sermons; what is this in English, but to say, we will have Barabbas? the case is clear, you are drunkards still, and self-seekers still, what shall become of me and mine, saith one, shall we beg? shall not we follow our riches and our usury, but beg for our living? yea better beg and burn too, then deny Christ, and live in any known sin, as swearing, drunkenness, usury, &c.