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…

1. Of Instruction. We see why men fly off from Christ, and give him the back in the day of trouble; they are full of themselves, and therefore fly off; their credit, honour, life, &c. These must not be parted from. Job 4.5, 6.¹ It is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Many a man that hath made a great profession, when the wet comes he shrinks basely; he denied not himself, therefore he denies the Cross, and that crushes him. It is with us, as with a wild colt, an untamed horse; he is notable to bear the fours, but slings off the rider; but if he be rid hard, he will bear any burden, because his stout stomach as come down; so is it with a ⟨p. 91⟩proud heart, that is full of himself; when the burden comes, then the covetous man wincheth, and would renounce God and his Gospel rather then he will bear misery; but a self denying heart is willing to take up his Cross, because he hath laid down himself; hence come those carnal shifts; men see some bear the burden, and they wish well to it; but saith one, I have a family to care for; those are to be honoured that do so, but it is otherwise with me; the great ones are fittest, they have no trades to look to; and the poor ones have no riches to look to: oh you have somewhat to lose, there is the business; then belike thou hast no mercy to loose; thou hast not denied thy self, therefore thou art no follower of Christ. Take thy Gods and perish with them; thou wilt not suffer, because thou hast thy self; therefore thou shalt burn with thy self in hell.

1. Of Instruction. We see why men flie off from Christ, and give him the backe in the day of trouble; they are full of themselves, and therefore flie off; their credit, honour, life, &c. These must not be parted from. Iob 4.5, 6.¹ It is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Many a man that hath made a great profession, when the wet comes he shrinkes basely; he denied not himselfe, therefore he denies the Crosse, and that crushes him. It is with us, as with a wilde colt, an untamed horse; he is notable to bear the fours, but slings off the rider; but if he be rid hard, he will beare any burden, because his stout stomacke as come downe; so is it with a