Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

Now if either through strong Fears, or the stinging sense of Troubles upon the account of Religion, our Courage fails, we are presently in danger of falling away, and denying our Master. The fainthearted Person is usually falsehearted, ⟨p. 163⟩and for want of Resolution, being frighted out of his Conscience and Duty, chooses Sin rather than Suffering, and thereby justly deprives himself of the Crown of Life, that is promised only to those who are faithful unto the Death. Besides, not only the loss of Heaven, but the Torments of Hell are threatened against those who withdraw from the Service of God to avoid Temporal Evils. The fearful ¹and unbelieving are in the front of those that shall have part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, which is the second Death. Now what Folly is it when two Evils are propounded, to choose the greatest; that is, Eternal Death rather than Temporal: and of two Goods to prefer the less; a short Life with its Conveniences on Earth, before that which is eternally glorious in Heaven? By which it appears how much ⟨p. 164⟩it concerns us to fortify and fix our Minds by a steadfast Belief of God's supporting Presence with us in all Troubles, and of his gracious Promise, that in due time we shall reap if we faint not in welldoing.

Now if either through strong Fears, or the stinging sense of Troubles upon the account of Religion, our Courage fails, we are presently in danger of falling away, and denying our Master. The fainthearted Person is usually falsehearted, ⟨p. 163⟩and for want of Resolution, being frighted out of his Conscience and Duty, chooses Sin rather than Suffering, and thereby justly deprives himself of the Crown of Life, that is promised only to those who are faithful unto the Death. Besides, not only the loss of Heaven, but the Torments of Hell are threaten'd against those who withdraw from the Service of God to avoid Temporal Evils. The fearful ¹and unbelieving are in the front of those that shall have part in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, which is the second Death. Now what Folly is it when two Evils are propounded, to choose the greatest; that is, Eternal Death rather than Temporal: and of two Goods to prefer the less; a short Life with its Conveniences on Earth, before that which is eternally glorious in Heaven? By which it appears how much