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…

Doct. Let him deny himself, and take up his Cross. First, deny, then take, both deny and take.

Doct. Let him deny himselfe, and take up his Crosse. First, deny, then take, both deny and take.

Self-denial is a special means to fit the soul for suffering. Therefore these two go hand in hand, he that is a self-denier, will be a cheerful sufferer, it is not only here expressed, but in other places mentioned, Revel. 12.11.¹ there is a description of a man that shall conquer; they overcame the Dragon, because they loved not their lives unto death: that is to say, they were contented to lay down their lives, Luke 14.33.² when a man hath laid down himself, then he may follow our Saviour, 1 Cor. 7.29. he makes this the armour, wherewith a Christian should be furnished against the day of trial: the time is short, what remains? the text saith, Let him that is married, be as if he were not married: that is, let him have all, but let him deny all. When Peter denied his life, he never denied Christ any more; so when Jonah denied his stout stomach, he never forsook the message of God any more.

Selfe-denyall is a speciall meanes to fit the soule for suffering. Therefore these two goe hand in hand, he that is a selfe-denyer, will be a cheerefull sufferer, it is not onely here expressed, but in other places mentioned, Revel. 12.11.¹