Words of advice to young men delivered in two sermons at two conventions of…

2. Young Men, labour for strength to suffer, I mean to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ. If you would be Christs Disciples, you must take up his Cross and follow him, Math. 10. 24. and sometimes his Cross is very weighty. It is not a weak shoulder that can bear an heavy burden; and it is not a weak Christian that can bear an heavy Cross, that can endure weighty and pressing afflictions. You must therefore get much strength, great strength, that you may suffer great things for the sake of Christ; otherwise you will shrink when you are put upon the trial; you will be offended when sore persecutions do arise for the Word. The Apostle prayeth for the Colossians, chap. 1. 11. that the Lord would strengthen them with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Young ones, look for sufferings, reckon upon them, and make full account of them before-hand; and prepare for sufferings, get on winter Garments against winter seasons, I mean suffering graces against suffering times. Get strength for sufferings, labour to be strengthened with all might according to Gods glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness: Get strength to endure much, and to endure long, and to endure not only with patience but also with cheerfulness looking upon it not only as your duty when called to suffer for Christ, but as the greatest honour tha• can be conferred upon you in this life, and as tha• which will work for you an exceeding and etern• weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

2. Young Men, labour for strength to suffer, I mean to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ. If you would be Christs Disciples, you must take up his Cross and follow him,