November 12 — If any Man will come after me let him deny himself. Matt. xvi. 24

Consider, first, that the disciple of Jesus Christ, by the rule of the gospel, is not only obliged to renounce (at least in affection) all things else for the sake of his Master; but, what is the hardest of all, he must also renounce and deny himself. And this, his renouncing of himself, is absolutely insisted upon, by our Lord, as the first, the most essential, and the most indispensable condition for every one, that would come after him, and belong to him. Yes, Christians, there is that irreconcilable opposition between this self strangely corrupted by sin, surrounded with darkness, and bent upon evil, and the purity and sanctity of Jesus Christ, and the bright light of his truth, that there is no coining in a proper manner at the one, without renouncing the other: there is no coming at divine charity, which teaches us to love our God with our whole heart, (the principal of all Christian duties,) without declaring an eternal war with selflove the capital enemy to the love of God, and the parent of all vices. And therefore we are not only commanded in the gospel to renounce and to deny ourselves, in order to follow Christ, but also to hate ourselves, or. as it is expressed in the original, (Luke xir. 26, and John xii. 25,) to haie our soub in this world, in order to sare them in the next. See, my soul, upon what conditions thou art to be a disciple of the Sob of Qod; thou must not only renounce aH things else; thou must also renounce and hate thyself too.

Consider, secondly, the grounds upon which is founded thb strict obligation of denying and of renouncing ourselves in this world; namely, thiR w(f may be in a proper condition to give ourselves up entirely to God; and, thus leaving ourselves, may find him, and be eternally his. So that, in effect, this denying and renouncing ourselves, is the best way we can have of loving ourselves, because it procures us the greatest goods, and brings us to our sovereign Good. As, on the other hand, that unhappy self-seeking, and loving to gratify ourselves in this world, is indeed hating ourselves, because the mischiefs it brings upon us, both for time and eternity. If, then, we are to renounce the affections to all things else, in order to follow Christ, lest the love f them should divide our heart, and take it offT from him, how much more are we to renounce self-love for the love of him, as being much stronger than all our other affections, and for more apt to captivate our heart, and to shut out the love 6f God. Yes, my soul, thy selWove is indeed the greatest enemy both of thy God and of thy own true and everlasting welfare, and therefore thou must not only renounce it, but abhor It too, with a most perfect hatred; and turn all thy forces against it, in order to abolish it and destroy it.

Consider, thirdly, and attend to the sentiments of a great servant of God, upon this subject. My son, thou must give all for all, and be nothing of thy own. Know that the love of thyself is more hurtful to thee than any thing in the world. — Thou canst not possess perfect liberty, unless thou wholly deny thyself. All selfiseekers and self-lovers are bound in fetters, full of desires, full df cares, unsettled, and seeking always their own ease, and not the things of Jesus Christ, but oftentimes devising and foaming that which shall not stand; for all shall come to nothing, that proceeds not from God. Take this ort and p)erfect word: For&4dce o/l, and thou shalt find ad: leone ly desires and thou shalt find rest.

Consider, thirdly, well, and when thou shalt have put it in practice, thou shalt understand all things. Following of Christ, 1. iii. c. 27 and 32. And again, Son, as much as thou canst go out of thyself, so much shall thou be able to enter into me. As the desiring of nothing abroad, brings peace at home; so the relinquishing thyself interiorly, joins thee to God. I will have thee learn the perfect renouncing of thyself, in my will, without contradiction or complaint. Follow me; I mi the way, the truth, and the life, — If thou wilt be my disciple, deny thys.” -c. 66. Hy soul, let tese be thy sentiments also, and strive to conform 'iky {notice to them.

Conclude to give up both thyself and all things else to follow Christ, and by following him to come at thy sovereign good, and to enjoy him for all eternity. If then wert to give ten thousand wmrlds to pnrchase such a treasure, all that thou shouldst give would foil infinitely short of the value of it.