240 DireRionsfor getting andkeeping and Duty. Wo to thofe Perfecutors that (hall put us to the Trial, how far we cango in fuffering for Chrift : but it should be a matter ofRejoycing to us, when we are put upon it. To be Patient inTribula- tion is not enough : But to rejoyce in it, is alfo the duty ofa Saint. Let thofe that think this draweth men to Rejoyce too much in themfelves but hear what theLord Jefus himfelf faith, and his Spirit in his Apoftles .Mat. 5. 1o, 11,12. BlefJ'ed are they which are perfecutedfor righteoufnefs f ke,for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rlef fed are ye when men /hall revileyou, andperlecute you, andfay all manner ofevilsflings ag'inftyou falfij for my Namesfake : Rejoyce andbeexceedingglad,forgreat is your reward in Heaven. ] James i. 2, 3, I2. My Brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (not inward temptationsof the Devil and our Luft, but trials by perfecution :) knowing that the trying ofyour faith Workethpatience. Blef f'ed id the man that endureth temptation ; for when he is tried, he 'hall re- ceive the Crown ofLife, which the Lord hath promi. fed to them that love him.] See Luke 6.23. i Pet. 4. 13. AElss. 41. 2Cor.6.10. &7.4. Col.i.rr. Heb. 10. 34. 2 Cor. 13.9. & 12. 15. O how glorioufly doth a tried faith thine, to the comfort of the Believer, and the admirationof the Beholders ? Howeafily may a Chriftian try himfelfat fucha time when God is trying him ? One hours experience when we have found that our faith can endure the furnace, and that we can hazard or let go all for Chrift , will more effethually refolve all our doubtingsofour fincerity,then many a moneths trial by weer queftioning ofour own deceitful hearts. Objet.
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