A03599:441
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…
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of adoption and trial thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. John 1.12,13. By T.H.The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.
London: printed by T. Badger for P. Stephens and C. Meredith, 1640
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, the worlds hatred of a Christian profession is not directly against it, as it is sound and sincere, joined with truth in the inward parts; ⟨p. 228⟩it looks only upon that which showeth it self in religious performances, that is the object of wicked mens malice, they pry not into the truth of grace in the heart; but if a man do join himself with the people of God in the holy exercises of religion, that is it which provokes their malice. In matters of enmity betwixt differing parties, it is enough to endure the ill will of the one, but in show and appearance to join with the other; and so it is no sure and infallible mark of a friend of God, for a man to say that he hath suffered in the cause of religion: the very outward face of religion, sets the devil and wicked men on work.
Secondly, the worlds hatred of a Christian profession is not directly against it, as it is sound and sincere, joyned with truth in the inward parts; ⟨p. 228⟩it lookes onely upon that which sheweth it selfe in religious performances, that is the object of wicked mens malice, they pry not into the truth of grace in the heart; but if a man doe joyne himselfe with the people of God in the holy exercises of religion, that is it which provokes their malice. In matters of enmity betwixt differing parties, it is enough to endure the ill will of the one, but in shew and appearance to joyne with the other; and so it is no sure and infallible marke of a friend of God, for a man to say that he hath suffered in the cause of religion: the very outward face of religion, sets the divell and wicked men on worke.
Thirdly, there may be great deceit in suffering, wherein a man can have no comfort, as if it were an inseparable companion of sincerity: men may seek themselves, their glory, honour, and have worldly respects in yielding their necks to affliction for the Gospels sake. If any man (saith our Saviour) will be my Disciple, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me,