The beatitudes

3. A man must deny self-confidence; Peters confidence undid him. Matth. 26.33, 34. Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended; though I should dye with thee, yet will I not deny ⟨p. 378⟩thee. How did this man presume upon his own strength, as if he had more grace than all the Apostles besides? his denying Christ, was for want of denying himself; oh deny thy own strength; Samsons strength was in his locks; a Christians strength lies in Christ; he who trusts to himself, shall be left to himself; he who goes out in his own strength, comes off to his own shame.

3. A man must deny self-confidence; Peters confidence undid him. Matth. 26.33, 34. Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended; though I should dye with thee, yet will I not deny ⟨p. 378⟩thee. How did this man presume upon his own strength, as if he had more grace than all the Apostles besides? his denying Christ, was for want of denying himself; oh deny thy own strength; Sampsons strength was in his locks; a Christians strength lies in Christ; he who trusts to himself, shall be left to himself; he who goes out in his own strength, comes off to his own shame.

4. A man must deny self-wisdom†:^* We read of the wisdom of the flesh, 2 Cor. 1.12. Self-wisdom is carnal policy; 'tis wisdom (saith the flesh) to keep out of suffering; 'tis wisdom not to declare against sin; 'tis wisdom to find out subtle distinctions to avoid the Cross; the wisdom of the flesh is to save the flesh. Indeed there is a Christian prudence to be used; the Serpents eye must be in the Doves head; wisdom and innocency do well, but it is dangerous to separate them; cursed be that policy which teacheth to avoid duty; this wisdom is not from above, but is devilish,