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…

Answ. Yes, and we must mourn that Christ is dishonoured by ungodly men. A man should rejoice in Christ, and mark what that is, do as Paul did, Gal. 6.14. God forbid that I should glory in any thing, save in the Cross of Christ. Welcome Christs Cross, as they did, Acts 5.41.¹ they went away rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. But can such men rejoice in Christ that cannot abide his presence? art thou content that Christ should look over thy shoulder, when thou art railing and cursing, because the Dice fall cross to thee? art thou content God should strike thee down dead, and call thee to judgement in the midst of thy game and swearing? I doubt not but all thy fellow-gamesters would run away if they could: should a man tell you, you should redeem the time because the days are evil, would he not spoil your sport? do you not then hate Christ? If a man should pray but half an hour, you would think it death: but oh the cards and dice can be sate at many hours; as who should say, Christ came to pardon sin, that we might commit sin. God will send such men and their practises to hell, is this the rejoicing in Christ? will you rejoice in Christ? then rejoice in disgrace for Christ?

Answ. Yes, and we must mourne that Christ is dishonoured by ungodly men. A man should rejoyce in Christ, and marke what that is, doe as Paul did, Gal. 6.14. God forbid that I should glory in any thing, save in the Crosse of Christ. Welcome Christs Crosse, as they did, Acts 5.41.¹ they went away rejoycing, that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. But can such men rejoyce in Christ that cannot abide his presence? art thou content that Christ should looke over thy shoulder, when thou art railing and cursing, because the Dice fall crosse to thee? art thou content God should strike thee downe dead, and call thee to judgement in the midst of thy game and swearing? I doubt not but all thy fellow-gamesters would run away if they could: should a man tell you, you should redeeme the time because the dayes are evill, would he not spoyle your sport? doe you not then hate Christ? If a man should pray but halfe an houre, you would thinke it death: but oh the cards and dice can bee sate at many houres; as who should say, Christ came to pardon sinne, that we might commit sin. God will send such men and their practises to hell, is this the rejoycing in Christ? will you rejoyce in Christ? then rejoyce in disgrace for Christ?