ourselves."

But how froward, how hasty, how peevish, and self-resolved are the
generality of professors at this day! Alas! how little considering
the poor, unless it be to say, Be thou warmed and filled! But to give,
is a seldom work! also especially to give to any poor. I tell you all
these things are cross to flesh and blood; and that man that hath a
watchful eye over the flesh, and also some considerable measure of
strength against it, shall find his heart in these things like unto a
starting horse, that is rid without a curbing bridle, ready to start
at every thing that is offensive to him; yea, and ready to run away
too, do what the rider can.

It is the cross which keepeth back those that are kept from heaven. I
am persuaded, were it not for the cross, where we have one professor
we should have twenty; but this cross!--that is it which spoileth all.

Some men, as I said before, when they come at the cross can go no
farther; but back again to their sins they must go. Others stumble at
it, and break their necks. Others again when they see the cross is
approaching, turn aside to the left hand, or to the right hand, and so
think to get to heaven another way. But they will be deceived. "For
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall," mark it, "_shall_
suffer persecution." There are but few when they come at the cross,
cry, 'Welcome cross!' as some of the martyrs did to the stake they
were burned at.

Therefore, if thou meet with the cross in thy journey, in what manner
soever it be, be not daunted and say, Alas! what shall I do now? But
rather take courage, knowing that by the cross is the way to the