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…

Thus much is insinuated in the Commandment, to try and examine, as if otherwise we were subject to mistake, Pro. 14.12.¹ There is a way which seemeth right to a man, but the issues thereof are the ways of death, Acts 26.9.² I also verily thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, saith Paul of himself in the state of Pharisaism. Those of whom we read, Luke 13.26.³ which were shut out of the kingdom of heaven, no doubt thought themselves cock sure while they lived, as we may see by their reply to the Master of the house, we have eaten and drunken in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. So the proud Pharisee over-weening himself with his own conceit, speaks confidently, giving God thanks, that he is not as other men are, or as the poor Publican; yet how is he (for all his good conceit of himself) rejected, and the poor Publican preferred before him? Luke 18.⁴ The Church of Laodicea gives testimony to the truth of this doctrine, in that her glorious vaunt that she makes, professing that she is rich, increased with goods, and hath need of nothing, when as not withstanding at the same time, she is discovered to be ⟨p. 207⟩wretched and miserable, and poor and blind, and naked, Rev. 3.17.⁵

Thus much is insinuated in the Commandement, to try and examine, as if otherwise we were subject to mistake,