trials, troubles, and
tribulations are, the Lord will deliver them in the best time; they have
heaven in their eye and they look to the recompense of reward. Now what
hast thou in thine eye? Is it the high calling in Christ? Is this the
mark thou aimest at, and which thou hast in view? Is this the port and
haven, that thou art sailing to, "looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before him, endured
the cross, despising the shame?" Heb. xii 2. The apostle, after he had
been speaking of the suffering and martyrdom of those great saints, of
whom the world was not worthy; Heb. xi. How that "through faith they
subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopt the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and
turned to flight the armies of the Aliens; of women, that received their
dead to life again, and others were tortured, not accepting of
deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." Then he
comes to speak of the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and bids us
"Look unto him." Heb. xii. 1, 2, 3. Wherefore, "seeing we are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin that doth so easily beset us; and let us run with patience
the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith: Who for the joy that was set before him, endured
the cross and despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God: For consider him that endured such contradiction of
sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Blessed are they that can endure all these things, shame, reproach,
contumely, and disdain, persecutions and afflictions that attend the
testimony of Jesus! Blessed are they that can endure the cross, and
despise the shame! It is an internal cross, which thou must endure for
Christ, or thy own heart will reprove thee, check thee and condemn thee
for it: But if thou comest to know a being crucified with Christ, thou
shalt reign with him, and be raised up to eternal glory with him. Unless
thou knowest a dying to the world, and a being crucified with Christ,
thou canst not have a well grounded hope of everlasting happiness.

Therefore now, friends, examine yourselves about your title to heaven.
It is the wisdom and practice of the world, to exa