Of Temptation

O let not me so miscarry, that those for whom I would lay down my life, should be put to shame, be evil spoken of, dishonoured, reviled, contemned, on my account, for my failings. A selfish soul, whose love is turned wholly inwards, will never abide in a time of trial.

O let not me so miscarry, that those for whom I would lay downe my life, should be put to shame, be evill spoken of, dishonoured, reviled, contemned, on my account, for my failings. A selfish soule, whose love is turned wholly inwards, will never abide in a time of triall.

Many other Considerations and Principles, that those who keep the word of Christ's patience in the way and manner before described are attended ⟨p. 170⟩withal, might be enumerated, but I shall content my self to have pointed at these mentioned. And will it now be easy to determine, whence it is that so many in our days, are prevailed on, in the time of trial: that the hour of temptation comes upon them, and bears them down, more or less before it? is it not because amongst the great multitude of Professors, that we have, there are few that keep the word of the patience of Christ? if we wilfully neglect, or cast away our interest in the promise of preservation, is it any wonder, if we be not preserved? There is an hour of Temptation come upon the world, to try them that dwell therein: it variously exerts its power and efficacy; there is not any way, nor Thing, wherein it may not be seen acting and putting forth it self, in worldliness, in sensuality, in looseness of conversation, in neglect of spiritual duties, private, public, in foolish, loose, diabolical opinions, in haughtiness and ambition; in envy and wrath, in strife ⟨p. 171⟩and debate, revenge, selfishness, in Atheism and contempt of God, doth it appear. They are but branches of the same root, bitter streams of the same fountain, cherished by peace, prosperity, security, apostasies of Professors & the like; & alas how many do daily fall under the power of this Temptation, in general? how few keep their garments girt about them, and undefiled? and if any urging particular Temptation, befall any, what instances almost have we of any that escape? may we not describe our condition, as the Apostle that of the Corinthians in respect of an outward visitation; some are sick, and some are weak, and many sleep; some are wounded, some defiled, many utterly lost What is the spring and fountain of this sad condition of things? is it not, as hath been said; we do not keep the word of Christ's patience in universal close walking with him; and so lose the benefit of the promise given & annexed thereunto. Should I go about