204 ,. rbeCrnoOing of the world, fart' tous in fohard anundertaking , ylef. we be wearied andfaint in our minds, Beb. 12.3. Though we may manfully bear fome few affaults, yet when wefeel thevinegar and the gall, and the cruelty of the world even piercingnot onlyour handsand our feet, but our very heart, and fee them fhrink from us that were mofi obliged to adhere to us, wefitall then judgeour felves for- faker of God ; if we have not the lively fenfe of thefe benefits, M the very thought of Forfaking all, cloth firike a carnal heart with forrow,and the work lothover-matchall thepower ofHeim and blood , Luke 18.'22, 23,24, ,27, 28, 29., So alfo,.the Be- liever bath need to keep his faith waking and in exercife, that he may lift asp the hands that elfewillhang down and the knees that - elfe will befeeble, andmay make (Iraight pathsfor hisfeet, that the lame may not be turned oar of the way,,butmay be healed, I-14.12. 1 1,12,13 ,14. For if we hear yobsMeffengers,and have not robs Faith and Patience, we (hall not be,able heartily to fay, The Lord gave,andtheLordbath tal en.away, bleffedbe the nameof theLord, 70 1.21. z. My fecond end in the mentioningof thefe benefits is that . if yet all that is faid before, havenot perfwaded you to be Cruci- fied to theworld, at leali you may beperfwaded by the confidera., Eton of the benefits, and of thehappy conditionof thofe that are . thus mortified ; even when they feem in the eyes, of unbelievers to be moli miferable, To thefe twoendsI íhall mention the.Be - -- neftts. Bene f e. 1. VOurCrucifixion to the worldby the Croft ofChrifb, I will be ont .f the cleareft and faorefl evidences of yearJncerity.; And fo may afford you abundant help for the conqueringOf yourdoubts, and the afcertainingyour falvation. When on thecontrary, an unmortified worldly mind, is the cer- tain and common mark of a inferable hypocrite. I know amelan- cilolyman may be fo weary of the world, as to be impatient of . his life.: But to prefer the Lordand everlafting.,Life, before it in,our practical Eflimation, and Refolution, and Endeavours, is the very .point of raving. Gncerity, and the fpecifical nature of arueSandifcation, -: And all other marks mu li be reduced unto . IhOp , Ther54 no matt fo fpiritual and heavenly.,, but ,while he is .bete ,-
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