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 Consider what it is that gives thy soul contentment in duty; no man spends his time, but he will expect some good: so see what it is that sweetens thy service, dost thou eat thy bread with joy, because God accepts thee, Eccles. 9.7.¹ is thy heart sustained, because God accepts thee in prayer, in hearing is this the sweet of thy labour? is this thy rejoicing, the testimony of a good conscience, 2 Cor. 1.12.² in the midst of reproaches, disgraces of thy name, malicious dealing to thy person, doth this quiet thee? in the midst of all wants is this thy rejoicing, even the testimony of thy conscience? is thy heart here contented to let all ease and liberty to go for Christ? if it be so, then God is thy God, 1 Sam. 30.6.³ when Ziglag was taken, and Davids wives carried away, &c. yet David, comforted himself in his God, as who should say, It is enough, God is mine, what ever becomes of this life, I am sure of a better but is it so, that thou professest Christ only because of the ⟨p. 56⟩applause of christians, and when respect fails, doth thy endeavour fail? the case is clear, thou art Self still. The soul that hath God, cannot be content without God; but if thou slingest away all, because thou hast not what thou wouldest have, thou art a God to thy self. The Wind-Mill stirs no further then the wind stirs it, so the wind of applause stirs thy soul to pray, this is Self, 2 Sam. 18.33.⁴ Oh my son Absalom, my son Absalom, &c. It is a lively pattern of a self-loving soul. But mark how Joab takes him up in the 6 v. of the 19,⁵