rod` Of Chr ?ian Fortitude. SERM. and in fine all manner of perfecution even to IV. death itfelf; confidering this, I fay, it wotald C^^' be ftrange indeed, if courage fo abfolutely in their circumftances, had not a place in his directions to them, for which, and the other reafons already mentioned, it feems na- tural to conclude, that fuch courage is meant by virtue in this fummary of the chriftian duties and graces. This virtue carries in it the idea of hazards and difficulties, and the excellence of it con - lifts in a magnanimous fuperiority to all dan- gers and all oppofition. As it is peculiar to a probationary ftate, or a ftate of difcipline, like ours, it is that without which there can be no real goodnefs, at leaft no ftedfaftnefs in fuch a ftate. To be above all danger and all refiftance in the execution of good purpofes, belongs to a more perfect condition than the human; and to fink under them and not purfue good purpofes againft them, is to have no goodnefs at all. As the gofpel, therefore, requires this quality in its profeffors, it 'bows the proper occafion for the exercife of it. It reprefents our Rate in this world under the notion of a war, nay of a continual fight, St. Paul * exhorts chriftians to fight the good ! t Tim. vi. t z.
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