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

4. A Christian must deny all Self-confidence. How confident was Pendleton of himself! This fat of mine (saith he) shall melt in the fire for Christ^*, but instead of that, his courage melted. The same Hebrew word signifies both confidence and folly^*. Self-confidence betrays folly. Peter did presume too much upon his own strength, Mat. 26. ⟨p. 14⟩34, Though I should dye with thee, yet will I not deny thee. But how soon was his confidence shaken, and blown down with the breath of a Maid? Mat. 26.71, 72, He denied with an Oath, saying, I know not the man. Peters denying of Christ was for want of denying himself. Self-jealousy is good. Rom. 11.20, Be not high-minded, but fear. ^*The trembling reed oft stands, when the confident Cedar falls. Who that knows the fierceness of a Trial, or the falseness of his Heart, will not fear? How have some professors shined as Stars in the Churches Hemisphere, yet have been falling stars? Porphyry, Julian, Cardinal Pool, Gardner, Judas. The Apostles have been called by some of the Ancients, the eyes of the World, Christs feet, the Church's breasts^*: Judas was one of these, yet a Traitor. Nay, some of the Saints through Gods withdrawing the influence of his Spirit, ⟨p. 15⟩have for a time relapsed. As Cranmer, and Origen, whose heart fainted in the seventh persecution, and he offered incense to the Idol. Deny self-confidence. 1 Cor. 10.12, Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest be fall. 'Tis just with God, that he who trusts to himself, should be left to himself. The Vine being weak, twists about the Elm to support it. A good Christian being conscious of his own imbecility, twists by Faith about Christ.