454 HOLY FORTITUDE. to the same religion which I profess. I would chide and shame myself out of my sinful cowardice, while I behold their illustri= ous examples of zeal. But above all I fix my eye upon Jesus, the divine author of this religion, the Author and Finisher of my frith; Heb. xii. 2. I would learnof the Captainof my salvation, who was made perfect through srferings; Heb. ii. 10. I would learn of my divine Teacher, to endure hardships likeagood sol- dier of Christ, while I fight under his banner, against those very, enemies that he hath subdued. Consider, my soul, what thou art : What is thy character and profession : If thou art a christian indeed, thou hast taken up arms against sin and Satan, and a world that is in rebellion against God : And shall the frownof a man make thee drop thy weapons, and discourage thee from the glorious service ? Thou hast many rich encouragements to expect divine assistance : Many joyful assurances of victory are given to them that endure in the day of conflict, and a glorious crown stands ready for those that overcome O may the crown of glory sparkle in my eye, and grow brighter and larger by a nearer view, and a perpetual contemplationof it ! Make use forgetful of ease and health, O my God, and of all my mortal interests, while I press forward with sacred courage to lay hold on this crown ! Blessed Saviour, make me triumph over every difficulty, till death the last of all my enemies, be subdued, and I lave obtained the glori- ous prize. I would shake myself out of my fears, and awaken my zeal by suchmotives as'these. And O that I could treasure up in my memory the various remedies of which I have heard this day, to heal this infirmity of my nature, and to overcome these foolish and sinful terrors of spirit ! I will review my- faith, and the grounds of my hope, that I mayknow that I am a christian indeed, that I am one of the sheep of Christ, and under his divine care; , and I would watch against every temptation, lest I contract a new guilt and defilement, and thereby darken my evidence and awaken my fears. I would surveywith pleasure the gracious words, of promise, which are scatteredup anddown in the book of God. O may the blessed Spirit print many of them on my heart, that they maybe always presentwith me, and that I may find them withinmy reach, and ready at hand as a special cor- dial in every fainting hour ! I would run to them as my sure refuge in every season of danger and conflict, and be animated to confront a sinful world. Give, me, O my God, give me the spirit of prayer, and let me keep ever near to the throne of grace, that my soul may not come thither as a stranger, but that in every surprize I may ad- dress theeas a God near at hand, and that in' the name of my
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