The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Some think the Martyrs were too prodigal of their blood, and that they might have been better advised; but such are unacquainted with the force of the love of God kindled in the heart of his child, which makes him set such a high price upon Christ and his truth, that he counts not his life dear unto him; ¹He knows he is not his own, but hath given up himself to Christ, and therefore all that is his, yea if he had more lives to give for Christ, he should have them. He knows he shall be no looser by it. He knows it is not a ⟨p. 545⟩loss of his life, but an exchange for a better.

Some think the Martyrs were too prodigall of their bloud, and that they might have beene better advised; but such are unacquainted with the force of the love of God kindled in the heart of his childe, which makes him set such a high price upon Christ and his truth, that he counts not his life dear unto him; ¹He knowes hee is not his owne, but hath given up himselfe to Christ, and therefore all that is his, yea if hee had more lives to give for Christ, hee should have them. He knowes he shall be no looser by it. Hee knowes it is not a ⟨p. 545⟩losse of his life, but an exchange for a better.

1. 1Act. 20. 24.

We see the creatures that are under us, will be courageous in the eye of their Masters, that are of a superior nature above them, and shall not a Christian be courageous in the presence of his great Lord and Master, who is present with him, about him, and in him? undoubtedly he that hath seen God once in the face of Christ, dares look the grimmest creature in the face, yea death it self under any shape. The fear of all things flies before such a soul. Only a Christian is not ashamed of his confidence. Why should not a Christian be as bold for his God, as others are for the base gods they make to themselves?