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…

Reason. 3 3. Consider our great unworthiness of mercy, and our worthiness of judgement. Hath God taken away my liberty? He might have taken away my soul; I am persecuted, I might have been damned; hath God taken away my goods? he might have taken away his mercies. If then, there is the wisdom of a father to provide it; if good comes by it, and we have deserved it, then take it patiently, and undergo it cheerfully.

Reason. 3 3. Consider our great unworthinesse of mercy, and our worthinesse of judgement. Hath God taken away my liberty? He might have taken away my soule; I am persecuted, I might have been damned; hath God taken away my goods? he might have taken away his mercies. If then, there is the wisdome of a father to provide it; if good comes by it, and we have deserved it, then take it patiently, and undergoe it cheerefully.

Quest. But you will say, May not a man pass by the Cross, and never take it? Should not a man rather fly it, then take it up?

Quest. But you will say, May not a man passe by the Crosse, and never take it? Should not a man rather flie it, then take it up?

Answ. There is a twofold condition in affliction.