The danger of Self-confidence. [ 1049]
IT is storied of two men named Denton and Wolsey,* 1.1 that the one was very fearfull that he should deny the cause of Christ, were he but called to make profession there∣of. The other, which was Denton, shewed a great deal of confidence, as being able to stand upon his own legs: But being both cast into prison, and put to the tryall, Wolsey stands up for the cause of God, and having no other foundation, but what was laid in Christ Iesus,* 1.2 suffers Martyrdom: whilst Denton, for all his great shew, plaid the Renegado, and turned like a weathercock with the time. But it so fell out, that he which would not willingly burn for religion, was afterwards unwil∣lingly burned, in the saving of his own house then on fire. Thus, it is a very dan∣gerous thing for any man, to rely upon his own strength, the danger of self-confidence is very great, it hath but one foot to stand on, and therefore apt to stumble, and catch a fall: whereas a child of God, just like a little child, will desire the hand of Gods good guidance, if he be to passe over the bridge of any difficulty whatsoever.