183. This is the true fortitude which
Christ’s warrior has, who receives not the crown unless he
strives lawfully. 2 Tim. ii. 5. Or does
that call to fortitude seem to thee but a poor one:
“Tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and
experience, hope”? Rom. v. 3, 4. See how
many a contest there is, yet but one crown! That call none gives,
but he who was strengthened in Christ Jesus, and whose flesh had no
rest. Affliction on all sides, fighting without and fears
within. 2 Cor. vii. 5. And though in dangers, in countless
labours, in prisons, in deaths 2 Cor. xi. 24 ff.—he was not
broken in spirit, but fought so as to become more powerful through his
infirmities.