Hence Epaphroditus to further the worke of the Lord (Phil. 2) he regarded not his health, and consequently not his life; as a true Souldier in the Service of his heavenly King and Captaine.
Object. But may not an Hypocrite deny himselfs; his owne ends, his pleasures, his profits, his credit, his liberty, his life.
No Hypocrite can truly deny himselfe.
I answer, It is impossible; for all that he doth is still for himselfe: like Israel, Hosea 7. He is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit to himself: All that he aims at in using the name of God, his glory, his Christ, is still to exalt himselfe, to save himselfe: But Gods children eye ever a greater end then selfe, to wit, the glorifying of their God, although it be in their own destructions.
Fifthly.
Fifthly, Our hearts are then in an healthfull frame and disposition, when we are cordially willing to goe from hence, that we may be with Christ, Phil. 3. yet for the service of Christ and his Saints, we are cordially willing to stay in hard and difficult Service.
Object. But may not an Hypocrite desire to dye, and to be with Christ?
I answer, An Hypocrite may desire to dye, and to be with Christ in a glorious condition, but no Hypocrite can endure to dye, to be with Christ in an holy and spirituall condition, free from sin: and therefore can he not endure uprightly, &c. to worke for Christ on Earth.
Sixtly.
Spirituall contentation in Gods will.