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…

Thirdly, the constancy of our obedience is known, if, when all outward helps and furtherances are taken away, we keep our integrity, perseverance in good duties. Many men make a fair show while they are propped up with some good helpers, who afterwards fall away, as if they had never been the men. The people served God all the days of Joshua, and the E•ders that had seen the great works of God that he had done for Israel; but when he was dead, they corrupted their ways, Judg. 2.18.19.¹ Jehoash was to see to, a good King, while he was tutored by Jeho•ada the high Priest; but after, when flatterers came in the room of good Jehoiada, he became a wicked Governor, 2 Chron. 24.17.² So are there many wives good with good husbands, servants orderly, live within compass with religious masters; children while backed with good Governors; but all these removed from them, they fail in the practise of those former duties wherein they have given good hope: so then by these notes we may discern our obedience, ⟨p. 278⟩whether such as will deserve to be accounted as of a continuing nature that fades not, if being thus tried it holds its own.

Thirdly, the constancy of our obedience is knowne, if, when all outward helpes and furtherances are taken away, we keepe our integrity, perseverance in good duties. Many men make a faire shew while they are propped up with some good helpers, who afterwards fall away, as if they had never beene the men. The people served God all the daies of Iosua, and the E•ders that had seene the great works of God that hee had done for Israel; but when he was dead, they corrupted their waies, Iudg. 2.18.19.¹