[6.] We are to deny ourselves, not only in case of temptation to direct sin, when either we must thus deny ourselves or actually sin, but also for the general advantage of duty and obedience, and the con- veniency of a holy life ; for instance, I am to deny ray })leasure, not only when reason may be grossly discomposed, not only by refusing such works of the flesh as stiidc in the nostrils of nature, but lest I be unfit- ted for duty, lest insensibly I contract a distemper and brawn upon my heart. And so I am to deny riches, not only not to seek them by unlawful means, and when I cannot keep them with a good conscience, but not to lay out the strength of my spirits in the pursuit of the world, that it may not intercept the vigour and strength of my soul, which should be reserved for communion with God. So 1 am to deny honours, that is, not only ambitious affectation of them, but when they will make me to lose the pleasant oi^portunity of devout retirement, and a religi- ous privacy with God. And riches are to be dfenied, not only when they choke conscience, but when they choke the word.
[7.] In the work of self-denial there must special regard be had to the seasons wherein we live, in several cases.
(1.) In doubtful times when God seems to threaten judgment, then our heart must be more loose from worldly comforts than at other times, and we must deny ourselves of those comforts which at other times a man may take. Our Saviour reproacheth the scribes and pharisees for not discerning the seasons. It is a great fault of christians when they do not regard the season and time of God's displeasure ; for in- stance : Jer. xlv. 4, 5, ' That which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. And seekest thou great things for thyself ? Seek them not.' I am pulling down, saith God, and plucking up, and for men to mind worldly great- ness, and honours, and the conveniences of the outward life, when the face of the times looks towards a judgment, when we may see a storm in the black clouds, then to think of building, planting, and advancing ourselves, it is most unseasonable and horrid security. This the Spirit of God takes notice of in the men that lived in the davs of Noah : it
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is said, " Tiiey ate and drank, and married.' All these things, you know, are necessary for the supportation of mankind; but when they minded these things, and had no regard to the season, did not see tlie storm in the clouds, at such a time when God seems to begin his controversy with a nation, whatever we do, we should do it witli caution and fear ; for tlie more we busy ourselves in the world, tho. more snares do we draw upon ourselves. God loolceth, that we should be observant of the season, and not seek after honours, and ease, and plenty. When judgments are coming, our hearts should be most weaned then, when the face of the sky doth begin to lower and thicken towards a storm.
(2.) Wnen we are like to put a stumbling-block in the way of a new convert, 2 Kings V. 26. The prophet speaking to Gehazi, when he ran after Naamnn for a gift — 'Is this a time,' saitli the prophet, 'to receive money, and to think of vineyards and olive-yards, and sheep and oxen, and men-servants and maid-servants ? ' Simply to receive a gift had not been unlawful, but Elisha was resolved to take none, to show he did not make a trade of miracles for his private gain, but it was God's honour he aimed at ; it was enough for him that the God of Israel was acknow- ledged by Naaman the Syrian to be the true God, he would allnre him by the freeness of the gift. The prophet doth not so much rebuke Gehazi for the lie, as for the unseasonableness of tlie motion, that it might bringdisgrace upon the honour and highcallingof the prophet,and dishonour the God of Israel. We must depart from our own conveniency in such cases ; it is a great stumbling-block to the world when they that pretend to reformation seek honours, profits, great places, and preferments for themselves and their families. All pions designs must have a suitable carriage. In Austin's time it was a scandal against the christians, and the heathens soon took up that reproacli, that they overturned the idols, not out of any piety or devotion, but covetousness, that they might have the gold. Reformers of all men should be con- tent with the goodness of the action.
(o.) In prosperous times of the church there is much self-denial to be practised. I confess, self-denial is chiefly for suffering times, for so it is in the text — 'Let him deny himself, and take up the cross; ' these two are coupled togetiier, that when a cross meets us in our way, which we cannot avoid without some hazard of conscience, then we must deny ourselves. But, however, it is a duty that is always in season. I shall show you wherein this self-denial is to be practised in pros- perous times.