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…

Means. 2 Secondly, let us consider the good that comes by self-denying, that it may woo our hearts to it. Now the good is double.

Meanes. 2 Secondly, let us consider the good that comes by selfe-denying, that it may wooe our hearts to it. Now the good is double.

First, it is the way to have our selves, and whatsoever is in us (not sinful) our safety, comfort, sufficiency, credit, it doth not remove these, but only rectify them; it is a groundless suspicion of carnal hearts, they think if they lay all at stake, they must take their leave of all, profit and comfort and all. No, denying of a mans self, doth not take all these away, but maintains them. The only way for a subject to be preserved, is to yield homage to his Prince, but if a man prove traitor to the Crown, he shall be hanged for a traitor; so life, sufficiency, safety, are good subjects so far as ⟨p. 62⟩they serve God, but if they take the wall of Gods will, and will be rulers, you may be hanged as traitors, whereas otherwise you might have been honoured as subjects, Math. 16.25. He that loseth his life, shall save it: the losing of a mans life is the next way to save it: it doth not take away pleasure: rejoice evermore, though not in drunkenness: it proves a greater good then if we had served Self: the denying of Self is the improving of Self, and the renouncing of sin is the next way to get pardon of it: if we lay down our wit, behold a greater wisdom to direct us: empty your selves of frothy vanities, and you shall be wholly possessed of the glory of Christ, who would not then change for a better? Come out of Self, and you shall have a Saviour, 2 Cor. 6.17.18.¹ Come out of her my people, and I will dwell in you: come out of your own power, and the Lord will bestow strength; lay down God-self, and the great God will cheer you,