he rider can.

It is the cross which keepeth back those that are kept from heaven. I
am persuaded, were it not for the cross, where we have one professor
we should have twenty; but this cross!--that is it which spoileth all.

Some men, as I said before, when they come at the cross can go no
farther; but back again to their sins they must go. Others stumble at
it, and break their necks. Others again when they see the cross is
approaching, turn aside to the left hand, or to the right hand, and so
think to get to heaven another way. But they will be deceived. "For
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall," mark it, "_shall_
suffer persecution." There are but few when they come at the cross,
cry, 'Welcome cross!' as some of the martyrs did to the stake they
were burned at.

Therefore, if thou meet with the cross in thy journey, in what manner
soever it be, be not daunted and say, Alas! what shall I do now? But
rather take courage, knowing that by the cross is the way to the
kingdom. Can a man believe in Christ, and not be hated by the devil?
Can he make a profession of this Christ, and that sweetly, and
convincingly, and the children of Satan hold their tongue? Can
darkness agree with light? Or the devil endure that Christ Jesus
should be honored both by faith and a heavenly conversation, and let
that soul alone at quiet? Did you never read that the Dragon
persecuted the woman? and that Christ saith, "In the world ye shall
have tribulation."

THE NINTH DIRECTION.--_Beg of God that he would do these two things
for thee_: First, enlighten thine understanding: and secondly, inflame
thy will. If these two be but effectually done, there is no fear but
what thou wilt go safe to heaven.

One of the great reasons why men and women do so little regard the
other world, is, because they see so little of it. And the reason why
they see so little of it, is, because they have their understanding
darkened. And therefore, saith Paul, Do not you, believers walk as do
other Gentiles, even "in the vanity of their minds; having their
understandings darkened; being alienated from the life of God, through
the ignorance (or foolishness) that is in them, because of the
blindness of their heart." Walk not as those; run not with them.
Alas! poor souls, they have their understandings darkened, their
hearts blinded, and that is the reason they have such undervaluing
thoughts of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the salvation of their souls.
For