Opportunities as to some things come but once in one’s lifetime, as in the case of Esther, and of Nicodemus and holy Joseph; when Esther begged the lives of the Jews, and the other the body of Jesus; which had they once let slip or neglected, they could not have recovered it again for ever.  Watch, then, for the opportunity: 

Because it is God’s season, which without doubt is the best season and time for every purpose.

Because Satan watches to spoil, by mistiming as well as by corrupting whatever thou shalt do for God.  “When I would do good,” says Paul, “evil is present;” that is, either to withdraw me from my purpose, or else to infect my work.

That the opportunity may not slip thee, either for want of care or forecast,

1.  Sit always loose from an overmuch affecting thine own concernments, and believe that thou wast not born for thyself:  a brother is born for adversity.

2.  Get thy heart tenderly affected with the welfare of all things that bear the stamp and image of God.

3.  Study thy own place and capacity that God hath put thee in in this world; for suitable to thy place are thy work and opportunities.

4.  Make provision beforehand, that when things present themselves, thou mayst come up to a good performance:  be prepared for every good work.

5.  Take heed of carnal reasonings; keep the heart tender, but set thy face like a flint for God.

6.  And look well to the manner of every duty.

Good works.

To stoop low is a good work, if it be done in faith and love; though but by a cup of cold water, it is really more worth in itself, and of higher esteem with God, than all worldly and perishing glory.

When holiness is lovely and beautiful to the soul, and when the name of Christ is more precious than life, then will the soul sit down and be afflicted, because men keep not God’s law.  “I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved, because they kept not thy word.”  Psalm 119:158.

The heart that is fullest of good works has in it the least room for Satan’s temptations.

Souls rightly touched, will labor to draw not only their families, but a whole city after Christ.  John 4:28, 29.

Self-denial.

If thou wouldst be faithful to do that work that God hath appointed thee to do in this world for his name, then beware thou do not stop and stick when hard work comes before thee.  The word and Spirit of God come sometimes like chainshot to us, as if it would cut down all—­as when Abraham was to offer up Isaac, and the Levites to slay their brethren.  Oh, how willingly would our flesh and blood escape the cross for Christ!  The comfort of the gospel, the sweetness of the promise, how pleasing is it to us!  Like Ephraim, we like to tread out the corn, and to hear those pleasant songs and music that gospel sermons make, where only grace is preached and nothing of our duty as to works of self-denial.  But as for such, God will tread upon their fair neck, and yoke them with Christ’s yoke; for then they have a work to do, even a work of self-denial.