The duty of self-denial briefly opened and urged. By Thomas Watson, minister of the…

2. Reason must be denied in Agendis, In Duties enjoined to be practised. There are many Duties in Religion which carnal Reason quarrels at. God saith, it is The glory of a man to pass by an offence, Prov. 19.11. No saith carnal reason, it is Cowardice. The Heathens thought it gallantry of spirit to revenge injuries. God saith, the paths of holiness are strewed with Roses, Prov. 3.17, Her ways are ways of pleasantness. No saith Reason, they are severe and Cynical, I must crucify my delights, and drown my mirth in Tears. God saith, Religion is gainful, 1 Tim. 6.8, Godliness is great gain. It brings contentment arising from the favour of God^*, it brings Temporal riches, Prov. 3.16, In her left hand riches and honour. The way to be prosperous, is to be pious. No saith Reason, if I follow the Trade of Religion, I shall break, 2 Chron. 25.9, ⟨p. 10⟩What shall I do for the hundred Talents? In this case, carnal Reason must be denied and oppugned. He who will go no further than Reason, will come many Leagues short of Heaven.

2. Reason must be denied in Agendis, In Duties enjoyned to be practised. There are many Duties in Religion which carnal Reason quarrels at. God saith, it is The glory of a man to pass by an offence, Prov. 19.11. No saith carnal reason, it is Cowardise. The Heathens thought it gallantry of spirit to revenge injuries. God saith, the paths of holiness are strowed with Roses, Prov. 3.17, Her ways are ways of pleasantness. No saith Reason, they are severe and Cynical, I must crucifie my delights, and drown my mirth in Tears. God saith, Religion is gainful,