BEcause next after prudence, fortitude is requisite to the perfection of vertue: concerning it therefore.

Question, 1. Wherein doth Christian fortitude consist?

1. Ans. It is not to be confounded with animosity, or stoutnesse, which is to be found not only in men voyd of all vertue, but also in the bruit Creatures, the Lion, the Horse, the Bull, the Dog. Pr[gap]. 31. 29. 30. 31.

2. Secondly, yet courage or greatnesse of mind, hath the nature of a Genus, or Generall, in respect of true fortitude: which therefore consists not so much in the moderation of boldnesse, or hope, as in the moderation of feare, and desperation, Iob. 6. 11. 19.

3. Thirdly, it doth not only consist in adventuring upon dangers, or undertaking hard things, but also in suffering, and bearing evills, and adversity, Hebrewes 11. 34, 35. 36. 2 Tim. 2. 1. 3.

4. Fourthly, but true fortitude adventures upon dangers, and suffers adversity, for vertues sake, and for the performing of his duty, 1 Pet. 3. 14. & 4. 14, 15.

5. Fifthly, fortitude therefore is that courage, whereby we are ready to performe our duty, even because it is our duty, what difficulties soever happen. 1 Cor. 15. 58. & 16. 13.

6. Sixthly, he cannot be said to be truely couragious, which offers himselfe to dangers, not one[gap] considering what they are, or why to be attempted, or intangled in them by [gap], or compell'd by necessity, and not led ther[gap]to by vertue. It was not from fortitude, and courage, that the Demoniack, Mark. 9. Often leap't into the water, often into the fire, but through the violence of the evill spirit; so it is not from the vertue of fortitude, that many are strong to powre downe drinke, Esa. 5. 22. Yea, many attempts, by which men are judged valiant and couragious, by foolish Acts, are nothing but made furies.

7. Seventhly, neither hath he this vertue, who is scarred, or doth desist from doing his duty, through any feare, or danger, Pro. 24. 10.

8. Eightly, yet it is here to be remembred, that the courage of the faithfull in this life, is joyned with infirmity, and so some momentany shaking, wherewith the godly sometimes are made to stagger, may consist with the fortitude of vertue. Ier. 20. 9. 2 Cor. 4. 8.

9. Ninthly, and although in regard of purpose of mind, and preparation of heart, the faithfull doe arme and fortify themselves against all such things, as may hinder them in their duties. 2 Cor. 6. 4. Yet notwithstanding they are not alwayes equally prepared to the suffering and undergoing of all kinds of molestations, as Satan observed, Iob. 1. & 2. And the event in Iob in some sort proved. For that which experience teacheth in corporall fortitude in a due proportion, holds also in spirituall; Some are strong to suffer labours; others to exercise warfare; others to carry burthens; others to repell things that are hurtfull; and many which are strong in one or other of those things, are found infirme, and weake in the rest.

Qu. 2. By what meanes may this Christian fortitude be stirred

up in a man?

10. Ans. First, if he acknowledge his owne weakenesse, Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 3. 5.

11. Secondly, if he consider that he is chosen and called of God to perform that duty, which he goes about. 1 Chron. 28.

12. Thirdly, if he perswade himselfe that God will be present with him in that which he hath commanded him, Deut. 20. 3. 4. Ps. 27. 1[gap]. 2 Reg. 6. 16.

13. Fourthly, if he expect and looks for all sufficiency of strength from God. Eph. 6. 10. Phil. 4. 14. Ps. 73. 26.

14. Fifthly, if he call to mind, how the victory hath beene long since gotten for [gap] by Christ; and that nothing is required of him, save onely, that he adhering unto Christ, become a conquerour with him, and in him. Iohn 16. 33. Rom. 37.

15. Sixthly, if he stick close to that promise, which testifies, that all things shall work together for good to them that love God, Rom. 8. 28.

16. Seventhly, if he have the recompence of reward, which is laid up for him, alwayes before his eyes. 1 Cor. 15. 58.