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 Because God allows of starting at no time; the Law binds at all times, to all times, is an old rule in Divinity; there is no time wherein sin is to be granted; our condition may alter, but duty is that which God ever calls for: poverty may take away riches, but no condition should take away duty, but some duty is to be performed, though not this nor that, yet a good conscience is always to be preserved: there is a necessity for a man sometimes to have afflictions: God gives them, but God never gives a necessity to sin: it is not necessary to be rich, but it is necessary to be holy in all manner of conversation, 1 Pet. 1.15.¹ nay, secondly, the more opposition a man hath, the more resolute he should be, for then there is most need of courage: the Captain requires most courage in the battle, and in harvest, if a storm be coming, we work hardest, so a man should be most constant in the time of trouble, Jude 3. Contend for the faith. Contention implies opposition, the more trouble, the more courage God requires. Sound saving grace will never slip away, in the greatest opposition, then is the time for love to do most: a brother (saith Solomon) is borne for adversity: love is like lightning, it is most fiery where it finds most opposition: so when love is in most opposition, it is most violent in resolution, Acts 4.20.² We cannot but speak the things we have heard, as who should say, we have a warrant from God, therefore we cannot but do it, and in the second verse, the lame man being cured, the Scribes and Pharisees were grieved at it, the Disciples having taught concerning Christ, and the glory that came to the Gospel: ⟨p. 97⟩the Scribes and Pharisees thought to crush the business, now saith Peter, verse 9. if we be examined concerning the good deed; as who should say, you Scribes and Pharisees use to convent people for good deeds. Therefore be it known unto all you men of Israel, as who should say, you Pharisees would have Christ hidden, therefore all ye men of Israel, be it known, that by the name of that Jesus whom ye have crucified, this man standeth whole; thus zealous was he, though convented: the spirit of the Lord is a kingly spirit, therefore it will make a man leap over all blocks,