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…

Use 2 For consolation, is it so that the followers of Christ must cheerfully undergo the Cross, then here is comfort to those that doubt of sincerity: wouldest thou know the truth of grace? then try thy self by the cross; as thy suffering is, so is thy sincerity, see if thou canst take up the cross: there are many metals will bear the touch-stone, but the fire will try them best: so thou mayest deceive the worlds eye, but the fire when that comes, will bear witness of thy sincerity, if thou dost shrink in the wetting, if thou canst not stand in the mouth of the cannon, then art thou no follower of Christ: if the beam bends not under the building, then it ⟨p. 79⟩is heart of Oak; but if it bend, it is sappy: so if thou givest way to the weight, holdest with the Hare, and runnest with the Hound also, woe to thy soul, thou art not right, 2 Cor. 6.4.¹ in all things approving our selves as the Ministers of God: what is that approvement? it is when a christian is able to bear wind and weather; as a free horse makes wash-way of all. It is reported by shepherds, that those sheep which are sound, are made good by the cold, but they that are not, dye: so it is with the sheep of Christ, there be many of the rascal c•ew, when winter comes, when the sharp chill cold air of persecution comes, they fall off: to keep ground here is an argument of a good sheep, but if thou beest loose because of persecution, thou art a coward, because thou bearest not the Cross, Luke 21.13.² this shall be to you for a testimony, as who should say, the world knew not whether you loved me indeed, but this will cast the balance, when there is no credit to honour a man, but a bare Christ, then to be content to suffer, this will give the testimony.

Vse 2 For consolation, is it so that the followers of Christ must cheerefully undergoe the Crosse, then here is comfort to those that doubt of sincerity: wouldest thou know the truth of grace? then try thy selfe by the crosse; as thy suffering is, so is thy sincerity, see if thou canst take up the crosse: there are many metals will beare the touch-stone, but the fire will try them best: so thou mayest deceive the worlds eye, but the fire when that comes, will beare witnesse of thy sincerity, if thou dost shrink in the wetting, if thou canst not stand in the mouth of the cannon, then art thou no follower of Christ: if the beame bends not under the building, then it