22 Of Self-Denial. S ER ra. Lord are fet againft the allurements of the L flefh, and we are diffuadecl from gratifying ourfelves by the fear of future. punifhment. Thus our Saviour, fuppofing an inward caufe of offence to tempt us very violently, and that fo ftrong is our affeâion, we are as unwilling to renounce it as to fuffer the amputation of a bodily member, even that itfelf would be fub- mitted to for faving life, and here a greater neceßity is laid upon us; for we have no other choice than either to bear the uneafinefs of denying the prefent gratifications, or fuffer the dreadful penalty of God's eternal difpleafure, * It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, or hàlt, or having one eye, than having two hands, and two feet and two eyes, to be call into bell fire, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. And, Laflly, The example of our great Mailer himfelf is propos'd to us. It is Paid of him, Rom. xv. 3. that he pleas'd not himfelf, He had no irregular appetites to gratify ; but the fame fenfibility to the eafe and innocent plea - fures of life as, other men but he denied them, fubrnitting to hunger and thirft, and wearinefs in attending the work his Father fent him into the world for, that is glorifying him * Mark ix. 43.4$ and
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