SECONDLY, The 2d Branch or Species of Christian Courage, we mention'd, was, The contending earnestly for the Faith delivered unto the Saints. As St. Paul with so bold a Resolution defended his Faith; that as he spoke of Mercy, Righeteousness and Judgment, it is said that even FELIX trembled.

We should stand up and fight for God against Blasphemers, and Atheists. Herein is our, Love made perfect, that we may have Boldness, John 4. 17. Where Dr. Hammond observes, that the original Word for Boldness is, the publickly confessing Christ; which may appear from Heb. 10. 35.

THIRDLY, The 3d Species of Christian-Courage, may be, the Never suffering our selves to be threatned or compell'd to the Performance of an Evil Action: Nor are we to obey even our Sovereign, at the Expence of Affronting God. But there we must be certain that the Action is Evil; for if we doubt only, (as if a Soldier doubts whither the War he is engaging in be Lawful) in that Case, the Casuists agree, That a Man is rather to obey his Prince, than his own Scruples.

FOURTHLY, The Last Species of Christian Courage mention'd, was, The manfully sustaining Misfortunes and Calamities which come from God, with Patience and Meekness. If the best and most inoffensive Man, can no more expect to pass thro' this vale of Care and Misery, without Misery and Care; than to walk through a thorny Wood, without being discommoded and prick'd by the Thornes; then, sure these Men who hunt for Disasters, and pursue Misfortunes, cannot be surpriz'd or enraged when Accidents overtake them; and have the greatest Reason to bear with Patience and Resignation to God's Will, what they have voluntarily brought down upon themselves.

FIFTHLY, We consider'd some kinds of False-Courage.

1st. That it was a False-Courage, for Malefactors sentenced to dye, to appear wholly Careless and Unconcern'd at the great change of Nature; which rather shows Obdurateness and Insensibility, than a Manly and becoming Resolution.

2dly, That it was a False-Courage, for Malefactors assured that they shall dye, to lay violent Hands upon Themselves, to prevent the effects of the Law; and that if it was an Action fit for Socrates and Cato, and the greatest Heathens; it was yet too mean and indecent for the lowest Christian; as there is something Cowardly and Base, in cutting off our Lives, for fear of Pain and Shame. Nor would Sampson perhaps have obtain'd Licence from God, to Murder Himself, but that in his Person the Name of his God was mocked and ridiculed, and made a Jest for Dagon.

SIXTHLY, Ult. In applying the Doctrine, we advised the Persons Condemn'd, to have at least so much Christian Courage, as boldly to confess their Sins, before they suffered for Them: But that I fear'd we had had Instances of Men, of uncommon Impiety, who so much more valu'd the good Opinion of Men, than the Praise of God and Angels, that they had displeased God by a Lye, the moment that they were to appear in his Presence; and had en