A Serious EXHORTATION To an HOLY LIFE, OR Conversation. With a clear Discovery Of The Nature of it, what it is. The Means of attaining it. The Trials of it, how it may be known. The Motives, or Inducements to it. OR, A profitable Companion For Conversion. Illumination. Confirmation. Consolation. By Robert purnel. LONDON, Printed for Edward Thomas at the Adam and Eve in Little Britain. 1663. An Epistle To the READER. Reader, COnsider, there are many ways to Damnation, and but one way to Salvation; and that is straight, and the gate narrow; so that although the runners are many, the obtainers are few: Now that we may so run that we may obtain, is my desire and endeavour in this little Piece; for there is a way, if we could light on it, which I have pointed at, how to possess what we want, how to live long in a little time, and to have one Foot as it were in Heaven, whilst the other is upon the Earth. This small piece is the Birth of many Prayers, and the sum and substance of many sweet Converses, and Meditations, and the Judgement of most precious Christians; so that this Book is of great Worth, though but of small Price. The best and chiefest Authors that I have consulted withal in compiling the ensuing Treatise, are the Prophets and Apostles, mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; so that here is no lose corns to blow off, nor misspent words that I know of. I did lately meet with a small piece about this bigness, having the same Title Page (upon the matter) with this, written by one Mr. Thomas Wadsworth, sometimes Preacher at Newington, near London; in which Piece there are many choice things, but I finding it lame, or short, as to the beginning, carrying on, and finishing the work of a Holy Conversation; and finding the necessity of such a Piece in these lose Times, wherein the Lords Day is profaned, his Ordinances slighted or adulterated, his People despised, etc. I have made bold to put Pen to Paper, and so to compose the ensuing Work, which is neither deficient in necessaries, nor abundant in superfluities. Thou shalt find it for Order, Methodical; for Matter, Spiritual; for Brevity, Compendious; for Use, Precious; etc. Consider, the Truth is the same in all Ages, only it shines more and more clear from Age to Age, until that which is perfect is come: the Truth held forth is the same, though with more of God and less of Man, such addition is no innovation, but illustration; not a new light, but new sight. A man may not be said to make a new World, when he makes a new discovery of the old. My Friends, labour to keep close to God in this lose Age, spend not your precious time in complaining on others, as most do, but rather endeavour in the use of all means to reform yourselves; lay the Foundation of Mortification deep, reserve no lust from the stroke of Jesus Christ, let your Speech be seasoned with Grace, take heed of neglecting or slighting any of the Ordinances of God; in order hereunto, read seriously this small Piece, being a serious Exhortation to an Holy Life and Conversation; and if thou wilt read so as to profit much by it, consider & observe these three things. 1. Consider that Sanctification, or an holy Life, is the Echo of Election; and Holiness the Blossom of Happiness; and Piety the inlet of Felicity; whereas an unholy Life brings external, internal, and eternal misery upon Persons and Nations. 2. Have no hand in any Plot, but against Hell's Policy, have no design but against Sin; learn how to act to thy God Fidelity, to thy Prince Loyalty, to thyself Humility; so shalt thou be kept from future Falls, and guarded from present Fears; for God hath either the Castle of a Providence, or the Ark of a Promise, or the All-sufficiency of his own Grace for a retirement of his People in the greatest Storms and Tempests. 3. Make a most strong Determination from the bottom of thy heart to embrace and observe whatsoever thou shalt find to be the will of God, though all the world should be against thee for it; so shall all thy Duties and Services be regulated by Precept, and winged by Promises. Farewell. A Serious EXHORTATION To An Holy Life And CONVERSATION. THe Lord of Glory, who is the great Masterpiece of Speech, when he speaks from Heaven, he makes use of three several Texts of Scripture in one breath, Mat. 17. 5. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear him. First, This is my beloved Son, that Scripture you have in Psal. 2. 7. In whom I am well pleased, this we have in Isa 42. 1. Hear him, this we have in Deut. 18. 15. This high and mighty one hath gathered up all practical Divinity into ten Precepts, Exod. 20. and Moses reduceth them to four Heads, Deut. 10. 12. And the Prophet Micah to three, Micah 6. 8. and our Saviour Christ to two, Mark 12. 29, 31. and all that we can pray for, or against, into six heads or petitions, Matth. 6. 9 to the 14. verse. And the Apostle Paul reduceth all into one, Rom. 13. 9 He that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law; if there be any other Commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thyself. Now that I may manifest my love to my neighbour, I do here present him with this little piece, which I have for my own and his sake taken great care and pains in. I shall reduce the body of this Book to these two great Doctrines of Grace and Works, and so shall begin, With the great Doctrine of God's free Grace, and End with the Doctrine of Works, which is the ready way to get the apprehension and application of mercy to ourselves. The Papists say if we are freely justified by Grace, we need not to do any good works; and if we cannot fall from Grace, we need not fear to commit sin: but every true Christian will say that Faith and Works must go together in our conversation. First, To begin with the Doctrine of Grace, if we mind and understand the Covenant of Grace, justification by Grace, the Doctrine of Grace, we shall find that the Apostles all along were very careful to keep this Covenant and Doctrine of Grace distinct from all other things: they all along do oppose the Law and Grace, Works and Faith, our Righteousness and Christ's Righteousness, teaching us thereby how needful it is that they be kept each in his place asunder, and that we do not as most do, jumble them both together. This Doctrine of Grace hath been and still is a bone of contention: Why so? because learning cannot reach it, natural wisdom is confounded at it, evil Angels do not know it, most men do turn their backs upon it, being bereft of the knowledge of it, or else corrupted from the simplicity of it. Let the Reader consider these Scriptures, all speaking to the same thing, Rom. 4. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Titus 3. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. Rom. 11. 6. And if it be by grace, than it is no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace; so that the righteousness whereby we are justified before God is a perfect righteousness, which is the righteousness of Christ alone, Heb. 1. 8 Mat. 6. 33. Rom. 4. 6. So again, Psal. 71. 15, 16, 19, 24. and Isa. 45. 24. Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. I will, saith David, make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. So that in this, Justice and Mercy, as Psal. 85. 10. both meet together. Justice in that God will not justify a sinner without a perfect righteousness; and yet Mercy in that he will accept such a righteousness that is neither in him, nor done by him, but by his surety for him. There are these eight points or heads in this Doctrine of Free Grace. This Doctrine is the Foundation and Basis of all Christian Religion. This Doctrine is the inlet of all Divine peace and consolation. This is the root and spring of all Gospel obedience. This is the great stop and bar to keep out all floods of error. This Doctrine is the main support of the Soul under all trials. This is the great Doctrine by which Arminianism and Popery is overthrown. This is the Doctrine against which Satan doth most War, endeavouring either to pervert, or to corrupt it. This Doctrine is one of the hardest to be learned, it being above the reach of nature. To begin with the first of these, This Doctrine is the foundation and basis of the true Christian Religion, as doth appear by these few instances. Our Election is the Election of Grace, and according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephes. 1. 4, 5. Our Vocation is according to his Grace, 2 Tim. 1. 9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, etc. Regeneration is of Gods own will, Jam. 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. Faith itself is the gift of God, Philip. 1. 29 Ephes. 2. 8. Our justification is freely by his Grace, Rom. 3. 24. and a free gift, Romans 5. 15. Forgiveness of all our sins is according to the riches of his Grace, Ephes. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his Blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Eternal life is the gift of God, Rom. 6. 23. The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, see Acts 15. 11. Now if any shall ask why God should discover this great mystery which was kept secret since the world began to us, who are sinners of the Gentiles, who in time passed served dumb idols, or why God should be found of them that sought him not, or made manifest to them that asked not after him; I can give no other answer than that, 1 Cor. 1. 29. That no flesh should glory in his presence; or that, Mat. 11. 25, 26. Even so Father, because it seemed good in thy sight. As this Doctrine is the foundation and basis of the true Religion, so in the second place it is the root and spring of all Divine peace and consolation: Now peace and joy comes into the soul by these veins. By the vein of our acquainting ourselves with him, Job 22. 21. By the vein of believing in him, Romans 5. 1. Rom. 15. 13. By the vein of staying ourselves upon him, Isaiah 26. 3. And so much for the second head. This Doctrine is the root and spring of all Gospel obedience; how do men write of a serious exhortation to an holy life and conversation, if they discover not the way to it? Our Saviour saith, the tree must be made good before the fruit can be good: The Branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine, Joh. 15. 4. so that this Doctrine is the root and spring of all true obedience, for this Doctrine being received and retained, works these five things in the heart and soul, viz. Faith, Love, Fear, Willingness, and Cheerfulness, and from these as from five springs doth Gospel-obedience flow. True obedience doth flow from faith, whence it is called the obedience of faith, Rom. 16. 26. So also love constrains them in whom it is, to walk holily, John 14. 23. If a man love me he will keep my words, Psalms 26. 3, 4. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes, and I have walked in thy truth. True obedience doth spring from an holy fear, Psal. 119. 161. My heart doth stand in awe of thy words: so Noah being warned of God, was moved with fear, and prepared an Ark, Heb. 11. 7. As it springs from Faith, Love, and Fear, so it ariseth from a willing mind, Psal. 27. 8. When thou saidst, seek ye my face; my heart answered, Lord, thy face will I seek. Gospel-obedience is, or aught to be, performed cheerfully or delightfully, Psalm 40. 8. Thy Law is in my heart as well as in thy book, I delight to do thy will O God. By all which it doth appear, that this Doctrine of Grace is the root and spring of an holy Conversation, seeing in God are all our springs, and from him are all our supplies to enable us to perform any duty, to exercise any grace, to subdue any lust, to resist any temptation, to bear any affliction. In a word, the Lord tells us, without him we can do nothing. This Doctrine of Free Grace is the great stop and bar to keep out all false Doctrines and floods of Errors. The floods of all Error flow in at the door of ignorance, and specially ignorance of this very thing, viz. the Error of the Papist, the Quaker, the Arminian, together with all the instability, formality, legality, that more or less is found amongst people of all persuasions, or at least most of them springs into them at the door of the ignorance of this precious Doctrine of Free Grace. Now for a remedy herein, let every Christian study, pray, inquire for, and stand fast in the Free Grace of God: see that blessed place, 1 Pet. 5. 12. Exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein you stand. Rom. 5. 2. By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; so that it is most clear and plain that their standing in this grace did fence them from all false Doctrines and erroneous Opinions, whilst others that were ignorant of this Doctrine, remain seeking their salvation, partly by Grace, and partly by Works, as Rom. 9 32. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were, by the works of the Law; for they stumbled at the stumbling-stone, etc. This Doctrine is a main support of a soul under all trials; when all things do fail, free Grace and love doth never fail, Heb. 13. 5. compared with Joshua 1. 5. our nearest and dearest friends may fail, our eyes may fail, our tongues may fail, our strength may fail, our flesh and our hearts may fail, our spirits may fail; but the Lord hath promised, that he will never fail nor forsake us, Josh. 21. 45. and 1 Kings 8. 56. what shall I say more? the pure, glorious, matchless, and spotless Righteousness of Jesus Christ is a souls righteousness and resting place: But he that understands not this Doctrine, his life must needs be a burden to him, he is apt to spend his days in sorrow and mourning, sighing and complaining, in doubting and questioning; sometimes saying within himself, my confidence is but presumption, and my enjoyments are but delusions: Whereas on the contrary, he that understands, receives, and abides in the Doctrine of Grace, doth rest satisfied in God alone; in this rest there is tranquillity, in tranquillity contentment, in contentment joy, in joy variety, in variety security, in security an assured hope of eternity. This Doctrine is that by which Satan is, or shall be overthrown, and his kingdom turned up-side down: it was Satan that tempted our first Parents to eat the forbidden Fruit, it was Satan that put Cain upon murdering Abel, it was Satan that provoked David to number the people, it was Satan that put Peter upon persuading of Christ not to suffer, it was Satan that put treason into the heart of Judas, it was Satan that put Ananias upon lying: Now there are no weapons but spiritual weapons that will stead the soul in combating with the Devil, and what greater weapon hath the Lord put into our hands than this free love of Christ to us, Ephes. 6. 13. to the 16. This is the Doctrine that Satan doth most war against, either to pervert or corrupt, as those who know his wiles may easily perceive. Oh! how hath Satan caused the Church of Rome to pervert and corrupt this Doctrine? The Papist saith, if we are freely justified by Grace, we need not do any good works; and if we cannot fall from Grace, we need not fear to commit sin. How hath he corrupted and perverted this Doctrine in the Quaker, Arminian, and Formalist? it would be endless to reckon up his wiles herein. This Doctrine is one of the hardest points in Religion to be learned, it being above the reach of nature, and all natural parts, etc. To do well and have well, is natural; but to believe and live well, is supernatural: to be righteous by another's righteousness, and to be saved by another's suffering; these are mysteries and paradoxes, which no natural man perceiveth, 1 Cor. 2. 14. Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned: so that as in 1 Cor. 1. 21. The world by wisdom knew not God, but remains ignorant of the Righteousness of God, and so go about to establish their own Righteousness, and seek salvation as it were by the works of the Law, Rom. 9 32. not considering that it is impossible to obtain salvation hereafter, or any firm settled peace here, if our confidence towards God be grounded upon our own best and choicest performances; seeing there is something polluted, and something defective; for all our duties are tainted with disproportion to rule, and beleapored with spots and blots, so that it is in vain to expect a bed of rest in the barren wilderness of our own performances: for that bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it, and the covering is too narrow for one to wrap himself in it. O the spots, the blots, the blemishes that are to be seen upon the face of our fairest duties; so that the best of us may say with the Prophet, Isa. 64. 6. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags: therefore let us say no more to the works of our own hands, Ye are our gods: for in the true God the Fatherless find mercy, Hosea 14. 3. Therefore in vain is salvation hoped for from the Hills, or from the multitudes of Mountains: therefore let us not be like the Spider, spinning out a Web of his own, and so think to climb up to Heaven by a thread spun out of our own bowels; no, no, that will not do, the Law that we have broken must have a perfect, personal, universal, and perpetual obedience, or else we remain under the curse, from which there is nothing that can relieve us, but that which is answerable to the evil of sin. Now there is no righteousness in the world that is proportionable to the evil of sin, but the righteousness of Christ only. For, Our own righteousness is too short, and is called a menstruous rag, and so cannot cover us; and menstruous, so that if it should cover us, it were but to cover filth with filth. Neither is the righteousness of the Law large enough if a man could keep it, because it will not acquit us for former disobedience: see Gal. 3. 21. compared with Rom. 8. 3, 4. Neither can the righteousness of all the Angels do it, because this also is a created righteousness, a finite righteousness, and no way proportionable to the evil of sin. If we should weep as many tears as the Sea holds drops, and humble our souls as many days as the world hath stood minutes, all this were too short to purchase the pardon of one sin: if the stung Israelites had made a medicine of all the best Herbs in the Wilderness, and a plaster of all the sovereign ingredients in the whole world, and applied it with Mountains of Prayers, and Seas of tears, this would not have helped them, if withal they did not look upon the Brazen Serpent, the free grace of God in Jesus Christ. In a word, God will have all blessings and happiness to flow from Free Grace. That the worst of sinners might have strong ground for hope and comfort. For the praise of his own glory and exaltation of his own Grace. That vain man may not boast. That our mercies and blessings might be sure to us. Yet for all this, let men have a care that in crying down the righteousness of works, they do not cry down the works of righteousness. Object. If there be a reward hereafter for our Works, how can it be of Grace? Answ. It is of Grace that the Lord doth put it into our hearts to mind it. It is of Grace that the Lord doth enable us to do it. It is of Grace that Works shall be rewarded, seeing they are but our duty. And so much for the Doctrine of Grace: now we come to the Doctrine of Works. Object. If our Election, Vocation, Regeneration, Justification, Sanctification, Acceptation, and Salvation be of Grace, and only of Grace, what need is there of so much crying up, and pressing of Works, or an Holy Life and Conversation? Answ. There are many strong prevailing Arguments to engage us and all people to an Holy Life, notwithstanding all is of Grace; take these few for the whole. Although good Works and an holy Life be not the cause of our Salvation, yet they are the way to the Kingdom, though not the cause of reigning. Christ did not free us from the debt of sin to deliver us from the debt of service; but he did the one freely, that we might do the other cheerfully. We must be found in the way of Holiness in point of Conversation; otherwise we should walk unworthy of God, unworthy of the Gospel, and unworthy of our Vocation. We shall never enjoy what is promised, unless we endeavour to do what is commanded; for without Faith in Christ, and obedience to Christ, there is no promise of Life and Salvation by Christ. An holy Conversation must be practised by us, because it hath the promise of this life, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4. 8. An holy Conversation is of necessity, as a distinguishing Character of the people of God from others that pretend to it, but are not so. All opinions amongst all Professors, however differing in other things, yet in the necessity of an Holy Life they agree; all Printing, Preaching, and contending for Sanctification, good Works, or an Holy Life. Then of the first, although good Works be not the Cause of our reigning, yet they are the way to the Kingdom, ordained by the Lord that we should walk in them, and so go out by the footsteps of the Saints, and so to walk, as we have Christ and his people for an example, 1 John 2. 6. compared with Phil. 3. 17. This is the straight gate, and the narrow way to the Kingdom, to the which that way leads not, which sets us not upon the new and living way, the true and only way, the safe and strait way. The Lord Jesus Christ did not free us from the debt of sin to free us from the debt of service, but he did freely do the one, that we might cheerfully return the other; therefore obedience, or an holy Life, is brought in as the very end of our Election, Redemption, Vocation, and new Creation, as abundantly appears by these Scriptures; Ephes. 1. 4. 2. Cor. 5. 15. 1 Pet. 1. 15. Ephes. 2. 20. The Blood of Christ doth both sanctify and satisfy, both in respect of Sanctification and Justification; so that we have still need of a serious Exhortation to an Holy Life and Conversation. Because if our Conversation be not answerable to our Profession, we walk unworthy of God, unworthy of the Gospel, and unworthy of our Vocation. Unworthy of God, that you have Colos. 1. 10. 1 Thes. 2. 12. Unworthy of the Gospel, that we have, Phillippians 1. 27. Unworthy of our Vocation, that we have Ephesians 4. 1. We read 1 Thes. 4. 3, 4. This is the will of God, even our sanctification, that we abstain from fornication; that every one of us should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour: see 1 Thes. 4. 7. We shall never enjoy what is promised, unless we at least endeavour to do what is commanded; for without faith in Christ and obedience to him, there is no promise of life and salvation by him, viz. Now he hath commanded us to endeavour to know him, believe in him, love him, and repent of all our miscarriages against him, etc. To which he hath made many promises; but as before we shall not receive and enjoy what is promised, unless we perform what is commanded, as doth at large appear, viz. Not knowing of God, he will not have mercy upon us, Isa. 27. 11. Not repenting, we shall assuredly perish, Luke 13. 5. Not being zealous for him, he will spew us out of his mouth, Rev. 3. 16. Not being meek, we are an abomination to him, Prov. 3. 32. Not being merciful, we shall have judgement without mercy, Jam. 2. 13. Not believing in him, we shall all perish, John 3. 18. Not loving him, we are and shall be accursed, 1 Cor. 16. 22. Not eating the Flesh, and drinking the Blood of the Son of God, we have no life in us, John 6. 53. An holy Conversation or godliness, hath the promise of this life, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4. 8. It hath the promise of the blessings of this life, Deut. 28. 3, 4, 5, 6. Blessed shalt thou be in the City, and blessed shalt thou be in the Field; blessed shalt thou be in the Basket, and blessed shalt thou be in the Store▪ blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out, etc. What shall I say more, Godliness hath all the choice promises of God annexed to it, viz. Godliness doth bring true peace, quiet, and comfort to the soul; nay, it leads a soul to have communion with God and his people; so that Godliness here is the way to eternal glory hereafter. An holy Life and Conversation is of necessity to distinguish between one that serveth God, and him that serveth him not, viz. He that is a servant of God will let us know it by his obedience to him, Rom. 6. 16. He that is one of Christ's flock will hear and obey his voice, John 10. 27. He that hath an interest in the promises, will cleanse himself from the filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1. If Christ hath died for you, let us see it by your living to him, 2 Cor. 5. 15. He that is Christ's will crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5. 24. Those whom Christ hath chosen to salvation, it is through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the Truth, 2 Thes. 2. 13. He that hath Faith in Christ, will let it appear by his works, Jam. 2. 18, etc. All sorts of people pretending to Godliness agree in this, That there is a necessity of an Holy Life and Conversation, only the Papist, and Quaker, with some others, lay too great a stress upon it; not considering that we are so far from meriting by our Works of mercy, that our works of mercy stand in need of mercy: but to our work of an holy Life and Conversation, let me instance but in two Scriptures, Gen. 22. 2, 3, 4. in this Scripture we have the story of Abraham in his holy conversation and obedience to God, in offering up his Son. Well, in fine, God commanded him to offer up his Son; in which consider these six things. Had he been to part with a dutiful Servant it had been something; but to part with a dutiful Son that is more. If with a Son, had it been an adopted Son, the trial had not been so great, but this was a natural Son. If with a natural Son, had it been one of many, the trial had not been so great; but this was his own and only Son. If with his own and only Son, yet if he had been young, and so likely to have had more, the trial had not been so great; but he was never like to have more, and this Son was his Isaac, a child of many prayers and of many promises, in whom his heart delighted. If he had been to part with him by a natural death in an ordinary way, the trial had not been so great; but he was to part with him as a Sacrifice, wherein he was to be cut in pieces, etc. But yet had some other man been the Executioner of his Child, it had been something; but Abraham himself must do this thing: Now consider, how can we be the Children of Abraham, except we walk in his steps? he trusted upon God, although he had but his bare word for it, and gave God his own time to make good his own promise; and he was ready to part with the dearest thing for God at the first word, and he believed in Hope, against hope: O! that thou and I could do the same. One would think that the Love of Christ, the Promises of Christ, the Presence of Christ, the Example of Christ, and the Recompense of Reward held forth by Christ, should make us hold on, and hold out; but if great Love, great Mercy, great Forbearance, great Entreaties, great Wages, will not prevail with us to forsake our Sins, and lead an Holy Life, Oh! Lord, what will become of us; for without holiness no man shall ever see the Lord, etc. The second place of Scripture, is Psal. 63. 1, 2. Oh God thou art my God, early will I seek thee, my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, to see thy power, and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary: Here you have desire upon desire, you have the very flower and vigour of his Spirit, the strength and sinews of his Soul, the prime and top of his inflamed affections, all strongly working after a fuller enjoyment of God, and a greater measure of conformity to him, in a Holy Life and Conversation. Now Obedience, Sanctification, or an Holy Conversation is necessary, 1. In respect of God. 2. In respect of ourselves. 3. In respect of others. 1. It is necessary in respect of God. To manifest our Loyalty and Subjection to our Dread Sovereign, and Sacred Majesty, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. Rom. 6. 16. His servants ye are to whom ye obey: whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto life: see John 8. 34. compared with 2 Pet. 2. 19 It is necessary to glorify his name. Matth. 5. 16. Let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven: see 1 Pet. 2. 12. compared with 1 Thes. 2. 12. To testify our thankfulness to God in appointing his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to descend as low as Hell to fetch us from thence; and to ascend up as high as Heaven to carry us thither. In a word, whatsoever we have, we have received from him; whatsoever we are, or have, we own to him; so that we may say as Paul, Rom. 11. 36. Of him, and through him are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Good works, or an holy conversation, is necessary to beautify the Gospel of Christ; Phil. 1. 27. Let your conversation be as becomes the Gospel of Christ; so 2 Cor. 9 13. So much for the first of these, good works are necessary in respect of God, to show our obedience, to glorify his Name, to testify our thankfulness, and to beautify his Gospel, etc. 2. Good Works are necessary in respect of ourselves. As they are pipes of conveyance of both the apprehension and application of mercy, Psalm 50. 23. To him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God: see Psalm 107. 43. compared with 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11. An holy Conversation is a sweet demonstration of our sincerity and reality; our Saviour saith, a Tree is known by its fruits; so we may know where Faith is by its works, and where Love is by its effects, 1 John 1. 6. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. They are necessary as to our being and well-being, Psalm 37. 3. Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Mat. 16. 27. He will reward every man according to his works. This is the way to make our calling and our election sure, 2 Pet. 1. 5. to the 11. verse, for if you do these things you shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 3. Good works, or an holy Conversation, is necessary in respect of others, Tit. 3. 8. They that have believed in Christ must be careful to maintain good works; for these things are good and profitable to men, and that in this respect. To stop the mouths of wicked men, 1 Pet. 2. 17. For this is the will of God, that with well-doing they may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. This made wicked Saul say to David, 1 Sam. 24. 17. Thou art more righteous than I, for thou hast rewarded good for evil. To increase the joy of the Lords people: we read in the second Epistle of John, v. 4. I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in the truth. It is a great encouragement to one Christian to see the forwardness of another in the ways of well-doing: see Col. 2. 5. To win others to the embracing of the Gospel, and to an Holy Life and Conversation, 1 Pet. 3. 1, 2. That they may be won whilst they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear, etc. most sure it is, that a a man doth teach by his Conversation, as well as by his Doctrine. It is good to others for an example of holiness, John 13. 15. I have done this good work to leave you an example, said our Lord Christ: see 1 Thes. 1. 7. So that ye were examples to all that believe. Many have been convinced by example to lead an holy Life, that would not by precept. By all which we may see, that an holy Life is necessary in respect of God, ourselves, and others. Oh! that thou that readest these Lines, and I that writ them, might in good earnest set about this work, that it might go well with us and our Children, Deut. 5. 29. for this is the way to have the Lords blessing upon us, in all that we set our hands unto, Psalm 1. 3. In this the Children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil; whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his Brother. Ch●ist gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. Therefore, Be ye holy, saith the ●ext, as I am holy; for without holiness no man shall see God, Heb. 12. 14. We shall come now, having gone thus far, to give you the sum of all, with some farther addition and confirmations to the point in hand, and inquire into these four things about an holy Conversation. 1. The nature of it what it is. 2. The means of attaining it. 3. The trials of it how it may be known. 4. The motives or inducements to it. The nature of it what it is. It is an heedful observing the word of God to be our Rule, and his glory our aim, in all our thoughts, resolutions words, and actions, or ● life ordered according to the Word of God, in holiness and righteousness, Psal. 119. 9 Luke 1. 75. In a word, an holy Life is the product or effect of a Work of Grace in our hearts, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and to live unto righteousness, Ephes. 4. 14. compared with Rom. 6. 4, 6. An holy Life and Conversation hath two companions, Universality and Sincerity, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Now the end of the Commandment is charity, out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. Out of a pure heart, not absolutely and completely purified from all sin, but comparatively, by way of justification, Psal. 51. 7. when we find conscience give a comfortable testimony of the heart's simplicity and godly sincerity in whatsoever it doth. Of a good conscience, that is not naturally good, but spiritually and supernaturally good; being purged by Christ's Blood from dead works, to serve the living God, Heb. 9 14. Of Faith unfeigned, without hypocrisy: now faith is then unfeigned when it hath the true nature of faith in it, when it purifies the heart, Acts 15. 9 and when it doth overcome the Devil and the world, 1 John 5. 4. so that in all our walkings, be sure to have an eye upon these three things. Be sure you do what you do from a right ground or principal, otherwise it may be said both of thee and me, as it is said of Amaziah, 2 Chron. 25. 7, 8, 9 He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. Be sure you act by a right Rule; some make their own Wills their rule, others make the Traditions and Examples of men their rule, others make the Light within the rule; but a Christian is to make the Word of God his Rule, and so walk and act as we have Christ, the Prophets, and Apostles for our Example, that we may go out by the footsteps of the Flock. Be sure thou hast right ends, low base ends spoil the highestundertaking; so for proof hereof, 1 Cor. 10. 31. Whatsoever you do, let all be done to the glory of God, compared with Col. 3. 17. Phil. 1. 16. and so we shall act from a right ground, by a right rule, to a right end. 1. We should keep our hearts with Solomon's diligence, Prov. 4. 24. 2. We should keep our eyes with Jobs Covenant, Job 31. 1. 3. We should keep our Tongues with David's Bridle, Psal. 39 7. 4. We should keep our foot with Solomon's guard, Eccles. 5. 1. In a word, we should not trust any member without its keeper, that so we might carry ourselves in all estates, in all conditions, under all administrations, both to God and his People, and our relations, as becometh an obedient Christian. Consider, we are his workmanship, let us not defile it, or deface it; we are in his presence, let us not pollute it, by unholy and impure actions. Consider, we are of the same household with God, he is with us in our natural actions to preserve us, in our recreations to restrain us, in our public actions to approve or reprove us, in our private to observe us, in our steps to watch by us, in our watching to refresh us. The means of attaining an holy Life and conversation, I might instance in many, but I shall reduce all to these five heads. Be throughly convinced, and fully persuaded of the necessity of it. Pray earnestly and frequently to the Lord to put thee upon it, and to help thee in it. Meditate daily of the hour of Death, the day of Judgement, the joys of Heaven, the torments of Hell, and the eternity of both. Think much on the great dishonour which an unholy life doth cast upon God. Keep thy watch and endeavour to abstain from all appearance of evil. Be throughly convinced and fully persuaded of the necessity of it, viz. ground this in the bottom of thine heart, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12. 14. No unclean person shall enter into the Kingdom of God, Rev. 21, 27. etc. Because holiness and sanctification is the way in which the Lord's people shall be saved. I do not say that this is the way by which, but the way in which he hath chosen us to salvation, saith the Scripture, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, 2 Thes. 2. 13. Pray earnestly and frequently to the Lord to put thee upon it, and to help thee in it, Psal. 119. 5. Oh! that my ways were directed to keep thy Statutes, then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy Commandments, Jer. 10. 23. We have need to seek to the Lord for help, for it is not in man to direct his steps, Prov. 3. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 16. 9 A man's heart may devise his way, but the Lord directeth his steps, without whom we can do nothing, 2 Cor. 3. 5. Meditate of the hour of Death, day of Judgement, Torments of Hell, and the Joys of Heaven, and the Eternity of both: if the love of Christ doth not, or will not constrain, if the fear of punishment will not compel, Lord what will become of us! If great love, great mercy, great forbearance, great entreaties, great and long waitings, great wages will not prevail with us to lead an holy Life, I know not what will? surely we can never serve such another Master as God is, for he doth not only give us wages, but doth our work for us. Think much upon the great dishonour that an unholy life doth cast upon God. In a word, it doth cast a triple dishonour on God, viz. In its malignity, as being most contrary to the pure, unspotted, perfect, and holy nature of God; sin is as contrary to God, as light to darkness, and Hell to Heaven. In its obstinacy, it opposeth the command of God, slights the will of God, and contradicts the design of God, and brings external, internal, and eternal misery upon the creature, upon persons, and Nations. In its choice, a sinner in living an unholy life chooseth a base lust, a venomous sin, a crooked way before the new and living way, the sure and safe way, the true and only way that leadeth unto life and blessedness. In a word, an unholy life puts God upon complaining, the Spirit upon grieving, and Christ upon bleeding; besides it opens the mouths of enemies, and grieves the people of God. Let us keep up our watch, and stand upon our guard, and at least endeavour to abstain from all appearance of evil; watch what comes in, and what goes out, and trust no member without its guard, as we said before, Psalm 119. 9 Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. The Trials of it, how it may be known, and that I shall reduce to these two general heads, viz. 1. How he that hath, or pretends to it, may clearly discern the truth of it. 2. How others that observe him, and behold him, may judge aright of him. Of the first, how he that hath it may clearly see it, viz. True obedience hath two companions, universality and sincerity; that is, he hath a respect to all God's Commandments, Psal. 119. 6. and doth endeavour to keep them, at least purposingly and endeavouringly: a will to obey the Lord is all that a blessed Paul can sometimes find, Rom. 7. 18. Now are there any seeds of true life begun? is there any spark of conviction, or motion of repentance? will thy pulse of remorse beat a little, hast thou a touch of remorse and sorrow, a spark of Contrition, a grain of Faith, a drop of self-denial; doth thy spirit long and breathe, although faintly; doth thy pulse beat, although feebly; doth thy heart pant after Christ although but weakly; dost thou endeavour to receive Christ and his Free Grace, though with a shaking hand? well, take thy Evidences from the carriage of thy spirit, neither at the best, nor at the worst, but the middle way, which is most thy frame; for if thou judge of thyself at the worst, thou mayest be discouraged; and if at the best, thou mayest be deceived; for if we take a profane man at the best, and a good man at the worst, we shall find but little difference, viz. we read of David's murdering, we read of joseph's swearing, Jobs cursing the day of his birth, of Jonah vexing, Peter denying, Thomas not believing. Again, on the contrary, we read of Pharaoh desiring the Prayer of Moses, Balaam desiring to die the death of the righteous, Saul condemning of himself, Ahab humbling himself, Nineveh repenting, Felix trembling: if we now judge by these particular actions, we should justify those whom the Lord doth condemn, and condemn those whom the Lord doth justify: Therefore we are not to judge ourselves by some particular acts, but by the constant frame and bent of our spirits. A true Christian can say, though I am not what I would be, yet I would be what I should be; there is much blindness with our light, much enmity with our love, much pride with our humility; so that the best Christian may say, Lord I see, and yet am blind, I hate and yet I love, I follow and yet I fall, I press forward, and yet I faint, How others that behold him, may and aught to judge of him, viz. He that is a servant of God will let us know it by his obedience to him, Rom. 6. 16. He that is a servant of Christ will let us know it by his love to his people, John 13. 35. He that saith he liveth in the Spirit will let us know it by his walking in the Spirit, Gal. 5. 25. He that abideth in the Vine, will let us see it by his fruitfulness, John 15. 5. He that hath faith will show it us by his works, Jam. 2. 18. He that is indeed a wise man will let us see it by his good conversation, James 3. 13. He that hath an interest in the promises will let us know it by his cleansing himself from all filthiness, both of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1. A man must not dance and dine with the Devil, and yet think to lie down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; most men walk in the broad way, and yet every one thinks to enter in at the straight gate, Mat. 7. 13. Prov. 16. 25. It is true, the best Gold hath some dross, the fairest day hath its clouds, the finest linen hath its spots, and the fairest Garden hath its weeds, and the best Fields hath its Tares, as well as Wheat, and the sweetest fruit some worms; so have the most exact Christians their failings: Wherefore beware of judging men and women according to some particular actions, but judge according to the constant tenor of their conversation; for as we said before, if we take a good man at the worst, & a wicked man at the best, we shall find but little difference: therefore let us beware of condemning those whom the Lord doth justify, and of justifying those whom the Lord does condemn, for both these are an abomination to the Lord. The motives to it, or powerful prevailing arguments to engage us to it, which I shall reduce to these two heads, viz. 1. The benefits that we shall gain by it. 2. The sad condition of all that want it. The benefits which do redound to an holy Life, viz. He hath the promises of this life, and that which is to come. He hath a blessing upon his basket and store, and whatsoever he puts his hand unto, all things work together for his good, at the present, fitting him for salvation hereafter; yea, whatsoever losses, crosses, troubles, and trials, persecutions, and afflictions befall him, it shall redound to the glory of God, and his his own good; and if all this be too little, the Lord is teaching him or her that endeavours to order their conversation aright, to take the glory of his most Holy Name to be their aim, his Word their rule, the Spirit of Truth to be their guide, the Angels to be their guard, & the precious Promises to be their support, and his Sons and Daughters to be their companions here, and company of innumerable Saints and Angels hereafter, Heb. 12. Yea the Lord shall in the sight and hearing of all the world, call his sanctified ones, as Mat. 25. 34. Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Come ye, my friends, my brethren, my people, my undefiled ones. Blessed. Here is our absolution from all sins. Of my Father. Here is the Author from whom proceeds our blessedness. Inherit. Here is our Faith ending in fruition, and the promises in possession. The Kingdom. Behold our birthright according to Grace, 2 Tim. 1. 9 Prepared. See Gods fatherly care for his chosen, John 14. 2. From the Foundation of the world. Oh! the free and eternal love of God to poor miserable man. In a word, there is no place so glorious by creation, so beautiful for delectation, so rich in possession, so comfortable in habitation; there is joy without sorrow, and pleasure without pain; there is light without darkness, mirth without sadness, health without sickness, wealth without want, credit without disgrace, beauty without blemish, etc. all tears shall be done away, all evils removed, all sins abolished, all wants supplied: see Rev. 22. 3. and 21. 4. Heaven is a City, whose Maker and Builder is God, the City of the living God, Heb. 12. 22. The Court of God and of Christ, wherein are an innumerable company of Saints and Angels, Heb. 12. 23, 24. It is better sure to creep towards Heaven though through the valley of tears, then to gallop towards hell upon the mountains of pleasure. The sad condition of all that want it; Heb. 12. 14. Fellow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God. 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16. As he that hath called us is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy as I am holy. Rev. 21. 27. There shall in no wise enter into heaven any thing that defileth, nor those that work abomination, or make a lie, etc. Well, the holy nature of God will not permit the unclean man or woman to come into his presence; no, Psal. 9 17. The wicked shall be turned into hell. 2 Thess. 1. 8. The Lord will come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on all them that obey not the Gospel, etc. In the mean time whilst they remain here they are accursed in their going out, and in their coming in, in the basket and in the store, and in every thing that they put their hand unto, Deut. 28. Again, consider what names all those who want this holy life and conversation are known by in the Scriptures of truth, viz. Sometimes they are called filthy dreamers, defiling the flesh, Ep. Judas ver. 8. raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame, ver. 13. Natural bruit beasts made to be taken and destroyed, that shall utterly perish in their own corruption, 2 Pet. 2. 12. Wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever, ver. 17. A generation of vipers, Matth. 3. 7. Ye serpents, how can ye escape the damnation of hell, Mat. 23. 33. In a word, the Scriptures call them Lions for their fierceness, Bears for their cruelty, and Dragons for their hideousness, Dogs for their filthiness, Wolves and Foxes for their subtlety; if this be not enough, the Scriptures of truth styles them Scorpions vipers, thorns, briers, thistles, brambles, stubble, dirt, dust, chaff, dross, smoke, scum, unclean birds, Rev. 18. 2. The Devil is said to be their master, Rom 6. 16. The Devil is said to be their father, John 8. 44. The Devil is said to be their Prince, John 12. 31. The Devil is said to be their god, 2 Cor. 4. 4. Now lay all these things together, and consider if the joys of heaven on the one hand, and the torments of hell on the other hand, will not prevail with us to witness a holy life and conversation in our practice, I do not know what will: certainly the sad condition of all that want this holy life will farther appear by these particulars. His or her sad condition at the hour of death. Their sad condition at the day of Judgement. The torments they are like to suffer in Hell. The duration of that hellish state. Of the hour of Death. Death in Scripture is called the King of Terrors, it hath something to say to every one, and would fain be heard; but most of the sons and daughters of men are not at leisure to hear what he hath to say; they put that off to the last year, and when that is come to the last month of that year, and when that is come to the last week of that month, and when that is come to the last day of that week, and when that is come to the last hour of that day, and when that is come to the last minute of that hour, not considering that death meets us every where, and enters in at every door, viz. by a full meal, or an empty stomach, by much wine or want of wine, by heat or cold, by violent motion or sitting still, by every thing in providence, by every thing in nature, by every thing in chance? well, in cometh death and looks you grim and black in the face, than you fall into a cold sweat over all your body, and a trembling in all your joints; the Head acheth, the Face waxeth pale, the Nose black, the Eyestrings break, the Tongue faltereth, the Throat rattleth; then come thy friends and trouble thee as fast to have thee put thy goods in order, some crying, some craving, some pitying, some comforting of the sick party: If he look up, he seethe God's judgements ready to fall upon him; if he look down, he seethe Hell mouth open, ready to receive him; if he look about him, lo a company of evil spirits ready to snatch his soul from him; live he cannot, to die he is afraid, and what to do he cannot tell: whereas had he lived an holy Life and Conversation, he at the hour of death would now comfort himself, and say as good Hezekiah doth, Isa. 38. 2, 3. Hezekiah prayed and said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight; so the Lord added to his days fifteen years. Oh! that we were wise, that we understood this, that we would consider our latter end, Deut. 32. 29. and great cause have we so to do, for our body is but a cottage of clay, and that so frail, and crazy, that were it not once or twice a day daubed over, it would fall about our ears. What are our bodies but a Magazine and Hospital of all Diseases, and these are forerunners of Death: when Diseases are in the House, Death is at the Threshold; when Sickness is in the Chamber, Death is at the Window. Oh! that the Lord would teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Let us consider his sad condition at the day of Judgement that wants this holy Conversation, viz. there is brought in a Bill of Endictment, never such a Bill put up against the greatest offender in any Court of men. The Bill of Endictment itself runs thus, viz. Thou art here accused for a multitude of sins of omission, neglecting to do thy duty to God, to Superiors, Inferiors, and all Relations. For sinning both secretly and openly, to the dishonour of God, the grief of his people, and opening the mouth of enemies. For sinning against God's holy Ordinances in neglecting or abusing them. For sinning against all God's Mercies to thee, in abusing health, wealth, liberty, parts, and gifts. For abusing both the Mercies and Judgements of God; therefore now he will deprive thee of the one, and consume thee by the other. For sinning against the checks of thine own Conscience, if Conscience be not a bridle, it will be a whip; if it be not a curb, it will be a scourge; if you will not hear the warnings, you shall feel the lashes of it; if it doth not restrain from sin by admonition, it will put you to pay for sin by contrition, etc. For sinning against the motions of God's Spirit in resisting and grieving it. For drawing others to sin by your bad examples and courses. For not reproving others for their sin, as if thou wast afraid to speak for God, against those that dishonoured him. For a world of precious time, which thou hast misspent in the world. For a multitude of secret unknown sins committed in thy childhood, youth, and manhood, all thy omissions and commissions will then come into thy mind. There comes in a long Bill which thou never dreamedst of, much less couldst repent of; ignorance will be no plea in this Court, all our sinful thoughts, resolutions, words, and actions, together with all our commissions and omissions, stand up and bear testimony against thee. Oh! consider, if ever any Bill were like unto this; I could almost say to the Reader, as Nathan to David, Thou art the man. It is true, that in Courts of Justice, exceptions against Witnesses are sometimes allowed, but thou canst except against none here, unless it be the devil; but if thou cashier his testimony, what canst thou say against thy partners in sin, do not they know all thy ways? what canst thou say against good men, that with grief of heart beheld thy sinful courses? what canst thou say against good Angels that will not belie thee? what canst thou say against thine own conscience? what canst thou say against the true and all-knowing God that cannot lie? Then hear the sentence, Mat. 25. 41. Go ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. 3. Let us a little consider the torments which he is like to suffer in Hell, there shall be punishment without pity, misery without mercy, sorrow without succour, crying without comfort, mischief without measure, torment without ease; where the worm dieth not, and the fire is never quenched; in which flame thou shalt ever be burning and never consumed, ever dying, and never die; but here thou shalt be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power: and so here for want of an holy Conversation, thou hast changed Heaven's felicity for Hell's fury, it is better to creep towards Heaven, though through the valley of tears, than to gallop towards Hell upon the mountains of pleasure. Consider the duration of that miserable estate, Mat. 25. 41. Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire; this eternal condition admits of no alteration, decay, or consumption, future hopes or expectation, waste or diminution; man's eternal condition admits of no mixture or moderation, events or issues of Providence; man's eternal condition admits of no comparison or revocation, there is no sounding a retreat after we are launched into this Ocean; millions of ages past away, yet not a minute wasted; this is utter darkness, and blackness of darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, the worm that never dyeth, the fire that never goeth forth, etc. and all this is but the effect and product of an unholy Conversation. I hope by this time the Reader of these lines findeth a necessity of a serious exhortation to an holy life and conversation. Now to avoid all these miseries, consider what is before written, and these few things following after, and so I close up this little piece, not doubting but by God's blessing thou mayest gain much by it. Now than if thou wouldst avoid Hell's misery, and obtain Heaven's felicity, learn these few things and put them in practice. Keep thy heart with Solomon's diligence, Pro. 4. 24. Keep thine eyes with Jobs Covenant, Job 31. 1. Keep thy tongue with David's Bridle, Psal. 39 7. Keep thy foot with Solomon's guard, Eccles. 5. 1. That thou and I may do so, let us put on the whole Armour of God, and not trust any member without its keeper. Have a care of spending precious time about things unprofitable or impossible, for man's idle time is the Devils busy time: Therefore seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near. Let thy thoughts which are the first blossom of thy soul be awful and godly, 2 Cor. 10. 5. Let thy speech and talk be seasoned with grace, let it be little and true, profitable, seasonable, and savoury, Prov. 10. 21. Let thy works be profitable, holy, charitable, and measurable. Let thy carriage or manners be grave, courteous, and cheerful. Let thy diet be moderate and temperate, bring thine appetite under a rule of reason, that it exceed not the bounds of moderation; when thou makest a feast, be not like Dives, who fared deliciously; nor like Martha, troubled about many dishes or varieties. Be content with thine allowance; if thou canst not raise thy estate to thy mind, let us stoop our minds to our estates. Let thy apparel be sober, neat, and comely, be rather too sparing then over lavishing, rather abridge thyself of somewhat thou mightest have, then abound; rather come short of thine allowance, than any whit at all to exceed it. Let thy recreation be lawful, brief, seldom, and seasonable. Let thy companions be chief those that are godly, beware of too deep familiarity with wicked ones, for they will talk much to little purpose: see Prov. 4. 14. Let thy sleep be moderate, quiet, and seasonable, lie not down to sleep in thy sins, neither sin in thy sleep. Let thy prayers be short, fervent, frequent, and devout; remember Christ prayed often and briefly, and commands us to learn of him. Have a care of spending so much time and pains about the form of godliness, as to neglect the power. Charge thy memory to retain the best things, not forgetting Death, Judgement, Punishment, or Glory. If thou wilt live and die in a continual peace, maintain a continual war against the world, the flesh, and the Devil; if ever we come to Heaven we must fight our every step of our way, step by step, as a Ship cuts out its way in the Sea. Endeavour always to keep thine heart in such a frame that thou mayest be ready to receive or do good. Endeavour to warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patiented towards all men, 1 Thes. 5. 14. Let the Word of God be thy rule, his glory thy aim, his Spirit thy guide, his Angels thy guard, his Promises thy support, his People thy companions, his Ordinances thy delight. As we do approve of the end which the Almighty aims at, which is the glory of his Name, and the good of his people; so we should like and assent to the way which he doth act in to accomplish the same, which is sometimes by means, sometimes without means, sometimes contrary to means, sometimes by small means and inconsiderable. Seriously consider that general which takes in all the former particular rules, Phil. 4. 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things, so as to walk in them, or observe and do them; so shalt thou have prudence to guide thy thoughts, to order and grace thy speech, to help thee to understand things present, to guests at things to come, to recall matters past, to possess that you do want, to live long in a little time, and to carry thyself in all states, in all conditions, under all administrations, both to God and his people, and thy relations, as a righteous, obedient Christian. It is reported of Alexander's body, that it was of such an exact and excellent constitution, that it gave a sweet scent like a perfume; so should a Christians conversation be a sweet smelling savour both to God and man; so than thou shalt not be afraid to die, nor ashamed to live: Therefore let us spend more time and pains about that which will make us live happily, and die comfortably, and reign with Christ eternally. We may assure ourselves, it is not the knowing man, nor the talking man, but the doing man that at last will be found the happiest man; for if our knowledge be not turned into practice, the more knowledge we have, the more miserable shall we be: Although no man merits assurance by obedience, yet God usually crowns obedience with assurance. An unholy Professor shall always want these things, viz. Comfort and Content; Confidence and Assurance. Read and consider these Scriptures, and I have done, leaving thee to him that never forsakes his. The Scriptures follow, viz. Hebrews 6. 8. But that which beareth thorns, and briers, is rejected and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. Matthew 3. 10. Now the axe is laid to the root of the tree, therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. 1 Thessalonians 4. 1. Furthermore then, we beseech you brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus; that as ye have received of us, how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more, for this is the will of God, even your sanctification; verse 3. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. Hebrews 13. 20. 21. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.