gospel-mystery: OR, The great Union that is betwixt CHRIST and the SAINTS. From Cant. 2. 16. WITH A true Way to discern a Godly man from a Carnal or  man: AND The way how the Saints return after Back-sliding.  
Also, The Worth of a good Conscience.  
By Robert Dornford.  Revel. 3. 20. Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man will open, I will come in and sup with him. 
LONDON, Printed by R. W. for Francis Titan, and are to be sold at the three Daggers in Fleet street, near the Inner-Temple-Gate. 1652.   

Christian Reader,  
I Have made bold to present thee with a few lines, in which it is like thou mayest find much weakness: I shall humbly entreat thee to bear with that, and to lay aside all prejudice that may arise in thy heart, and do desire thee to read it over on this consideration, That God makes use of weak Instruments for many good ends. And this I will assure thee, that I do not tell thee of that which I partake not of, but of that which I have both heard and learned, seen and felt: and do offer it to thee, not as my own fancy; but thou seest it not more than the Word of God witnesseth: and therefore whether I please man or no, it matters not much. I know many Pretenders to be Saints, yet deny the Power of Godliness: The Lord turn all the hearts of his People away from them  
In a few words; my desire is, that thou and I may not have a name to live, & yet be dead: that we may not own the titles of Saints, and yet live as carnal as others, which many do at this day: But it is no more than we may expect, in regard the Lord CHRIST and the Apostles have foretold of Wand'ring Stars, and Clouds without water, carried about with wind.  
I tell thee, whosoever thou art, either Spiritual or Temporal, here is something for thee to do: And therefore weigh that which thou readest in the balance of Truth; and the Lord make both thee and me, not only hearers of his will, but doers also. Which is the earnest desire of  
Thy Christian Friend, R. D.   

A great Nearness Betwixt CHRIST and the SAINTS.  
THe words of Scripture on which I shall discourse, is in the 2. Chap. of Canticles,  
My Beloved is mine, and I am his.  
In this, and also in the whole Treatise, we have the Expostulations of Love betwixt Christ and the Saints. I shall not stand upon the variety of it, but shall keep to the words, in which we have chief these four parts.  
1. We have the Spouses assurance of Christ; My Beloved is mine.  
2. We have her great esteem of Christ; He is her Beloved, or, He is greatly beloved of her.  
3. We have her assent to Christ; I am his.  
4. We have the Union betwixt them.  
I shall endeavour to open these Heads in order, according as they lie. And from the first thing I take notice of, the Observation will be this;  
That every Saint of God hath a full assurance of the love of Christ.  My Beloved is mine. 
There is no being a Saint, until thou canst say, Christ is my Christ: until Christ be thine, and in thee, thou art but a Reprobate, 2 Cor. 13. 5. But the Spouse here hath a full assurance, that Christ her beloved is hers: the Spirit of God doth witness this unto her, as it appears by that Scripture in Rom. 8. 15, 16, 17. where the Apostle saith, that the Spirit of God doth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God. This in itself were enough to prove the truth of what hath been said: but take a place or two more for confirmation. 1 Joh. 3. 1, 2. The Saints, they have a full assurance that they are the sons of God, (saith John) And if thou art a son of God, than thou canst not fail of the love of Christ. See Rom. 8. 9 If any man hath the Spirit of God, than Christ is his; if he hath not, Christ is none of his. It is this assurance of the love of Christ, that makes the Saints so confident; it was that which made them lay down all, lives and all for him. I know that my Redeemer liveth, saith Job, c 19 v. 25, 26.  
From the second thing I take notice of, the Observation will be this;  
Obs. 2. That Christ is dear beloved and highly prized by every believing Soul.  
I am now upon the clearest truth, and the easiest proved that is, and therefore shall not stand long on it. Only by the way, take notice, That it is one thing to love Christ after this manner, and another thing to tell of loving him. Many speak high words, and fine smooth speeches; but they love not Christ so, as to part with all for him. But Christ is so dear beloved to the Saints that are Saints indeed, that all things are as nothing, when it comes to competition with Christ. To you that believe (saith the Apostle Peter) Christ is precious, 1 Pet. 2. 7. There is nothing so dear to a poor Saint, as his dear Christ, who shed his blood for him. The Apostle Paul, how doth he declare his dear affection to Christ, Phillip 3. 7, 8, 9 I (saith he) account all lost for Christ; nay more than lost; I account all dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him. You may take notice a little, how the Spouse, by which is meant the Saints, doth express her love to Christ, Cant. 1. 7. O thou whom my soul loveth! and so almost all the Canticles is filled with the like expressions, by which you may easily see that it is a dear love the Saints have to Christ. Christ is so highly prized, you see, by Paul, that all things are by him accounted dung; nothing is so lovely in all the world, as the Lord Christ.  
Thirdly, from the Spouses assent to Christ, we may draw this Observation,  
Obs. 3. That all the Saints do give themselves freely to Jesus Christ. Or,  
That all the Saints are given to Christ.  
Thev are given to him by a twofold gift. First, God gives them to him. Joh. 6. 37. All that the Father giveth me (saith Christ) shall come to me. and Joh 10. 29. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, and therefore no man is able to pluck them out of my hands. Secondly, the Saints give up themselves to Christ. I am his (saith the Spouse) to do what please him with me; and now I am to follow him whithersoever he goeth, as it is in Mat. 16. 24. He that hath given himself to Christ, (as the Spouse, as all the Saints do) he is to bear his Cross, although in a field of blood. The Saints, they give themselves to Christ, to be at his dispose, to obey what he commands; as appears plainly in Joh 10 27. My sheep hear my voice (saith Christ) I know them, and they follow me. But I shall not stand here, in regard I know that all that are Gods, must witness to this, That the Saints do give themselves to Christ, and follow him in that way he commands.  
I shall draw one Observation more, which lieth in the way; that is,  
Obs. 4. That there is an unseparable mutual union betwixt Christ and every Saint.  
From these words, My Beloved is mine, and I am his, there is the union; as if the Spouse had said, I am united to Christ, and he to me; as the Vine is to the branches, Joh 15. 5. so is Christ to me, and I to him; and as the head is to the members, so is Christ to the Saints, and the Saints to Christ; and as the head is governor of the body, so is Christ over the Saints, and the Saints act by his light and motion.  
This union is mutual: as it is with the consent of will, and truth of love, so it is unseparable; the love of Christ never changes it holds out for ever. As the Prophet Jeremy, c. 31 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore in loving kindness have I drawn thee. Christ will never departed from his Saints; he will never leave them, until he hath saved them to the utmost point of salvation, Heb. 7. 25. There is no peace, no quiet, neither in Christ, nor in the souls of the Saints, longer than they enjoy each other. And that made the Apostle Paul say, Our life is hid with Christ in God. Our life is in Christ; there is no life for a Saint out of Christ.  
Again, God hath given all the Saints to Christ. All that the Father giveth me (saith Christ) shall come to me; and all those that come to Christ, shall never be plucked out of his hands, Joh. 10. 28. So likewise in Hos. 2. 19 I will betrothe thee unto me for ever. The Spouse of Christ is joined to him for ever, there is no separation. See one Scripture more, 1 Thess. 4. 17. At the time of death, when all ungodly men shall for ever be separated from Christ, then is the time for the Saints to enjoy their Beloved fully and for ever.  
You see now that this is a truth, that there is both a mutual union and unseparable between Christ and the Spouse, which is his Church or the Saints. Well, now from these Heads or Observations there will proceed Uses.  
The first will be a use of Examination to all in general; whether we have this assurance of Christ, yea or no.  
The second will be a use of Exhortation to all the Saints, that they love and prize Christ dearly, as it is their duty.  
The third, to all that as yet are without Christ, that they be persuaded to give up themselves to him.  
The fourth is a use of Comfort to the Saints in general.  
The first Use is of Examination; to search our hearts and souls thoroughly, whether we have Christ or no: And in the doing of this, beware that you do not look on those Evangelical Marks and Signs in the Word of God as notions; but bring thy heart to the Word, and see what thy Portion is there, and what thy fruits appear to be; and what Condition soever thou find thyself in, deal plainly with thyself; if thou find thyself yet in a state of Nature, then think it thy duty to confess it, and do not deny it, because it is a sad Condition; but own it, and take those courses to come out of it, that thou findest hereafter mentioned.  
2. Consider the equity of this Duty, and the great need all men and women have to be sure of Christ; You must have Christ, or else you are but Reprobates, 2 Cor. 13. 5.  
Again, God chooseth and setteth apart the Godly for himself, as you have it in Psal. 4 3. and therefore I tell thee of nothing but what thou standest in great need of, and which thou art required to do, if thou intendest to be a sharer in the Lord Christ. Therefore now let us put the Work upon examination, and search after our assurance; and if we are willing to see ourselves in our own condition, then take notice of these marks which follow.  
First, Take notice what men and women are by Nature.  
2. Consider what the work of Conversion is: and what blessed effects there is that followeth this work.  
First, Consider what estate all are in by nature, All by nature are the children of wrath, Ephes. 2. 3. In this estate thou art in darkness, and hadst nothing to do with Christ; thou hadst no fellowship with him; neither waist thou any way taken with the Commands of God, as to see any loveliness in them; every soul in the world (in this estate) is alienated from God: and as Adam hide himself from God for fear of his sin; so do all poor creatures run from God for fear of punishment; and as they are by nature, they never desire to have to do with God; the guilt of sin lies hard on every unregenerate soul; and that makes him a stranger both to God and his ways: and therefore now let us search into our souls, and try if our condition be not such a one as this is.  
2. Let us consider, what the work of Conversion is; and we shall find it to be  
A changing of this nature, and a quickening of the soul; as you may see in Eph 2. 5. It is a working over of the soul into obedience to the Commands of God. And usually the great God is pleased to do it by these six particular degrees which follow.  
First, By Illumination.  
2. By Inspiration; stirring up the soul to do the will of God.  
3. By Operation; working up the soul to the love of Christ.  
4. By Direction; teaching us to do the will of the Lord.  
5. By assisting us to do that which is directed to us.  
6. By a full evidence of his Spirit, that we are the Sons of God.  
First, The Lord illuminates the soul; the poor soul being in darkness, and knowing no way to come out, the Lord enlightens him, and brings him to see his miserable estate, John 1. 5. the Lord shows the soul the filthiness of sin, and his lost and undone condition that he is in by nature; and his great need of Christ, makes him to long for his Assurance of the love of Christ, more than ever he did for any thing in the world: and now being enlightened, all things to him are as bad as may be; sin is exceeding sinful to him, and he sees himself loaden with it, and therefore, he is like those in the Acts, who were so enlightened, Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved? Acts 2. 37.  
2. The Lord works by Inspiration: carrying on the soul to Actions of life, making him fit for such service as is now to be done; makes him still in motion, and ready not only to see but obey. As Paul saith in Rom. 6. 17. Ye obeyed from the heart the doctrine delivered. This is worth something to have the heart lifted up to God in Obedience, and to have the soul at an utter enmity with sin, striving against it in a continual motion, never making any peace with it. Therefore now try and search whether thou hast this Spirit of the living God acting in thee, carrying up thy soul to actions of life and power: If thou art inspired by the Spirit of God, then take it for ever granted, that these effects will follow.  
3. The Spirit of God is an operative Spirit; it acts in the soul spiritual things: it begets its own likeness in the soul: it moulds the soul in the new mould of Obedience to the Commands of God. The spirit of God works in the soul these operative Acts.  
First, It works Faith.  
2. It makes the soul live by Faith.  
3. It drives him to see all in Christ, and nothing in himself.  
1. It works faith in the soul, to believe that there is no way to come to God but by Christ; and that it is the work of God to draw the soul to him, John 6. 29.  
2. This Faith will work up the soul to lay hold on him; it will cause the soul to reach forth itself to Christ, to see him to be the Son of God, and to trust and rely on him for life.  
3. The Spirit of God doth by Faith work a mortifying of sin; as it is in Rom 8. 10. If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin: Where these works of the Spirit of God come, it operates, it carries the soul to a new frame of life. He that is in Christ, is a new creature, saith the Apostle, 2 Cor. 5. 17. This work of Faith lifts up the soul, to that spiritual Combat between the spirit and the flesh. I see (saith Paul) a law in my members warring against the Law of my mind. It is by this work of Faith, that all the Saints hold out in this warfare; that they still continue a Resolution against sin, to kill that; and to bring every lust into subjection.  
Secondly, It makes the soul live by faith, that is, it makes him (as it were) see, feel and enjoy all the Riches of God in the Lord Christ: you may in part see in the 11. to the Hebrews, what it is to live by faith.  
It is to cast thyself with a full confidence upon God and Christ for life and salvation. To live by faith, is to do these three things.  
1. To put credit and confidence in God, that what is looked for we shall enjoy.  
2. To look for our happiness only in Christ, and not in ourselves.  
3. To rest satisfied, as if we already had our desire: to live by faith, is to credit what God says; to Rely on him, to trust him, with confidence that whatsoever he hath promised to us his poor creatures, he will make good: Heaven and earth shall pass away (saith Christ) but not one jot or title of my word or promise shall fail. It is to cast ourselves on God and Christ, believing that he will, and is fully able to save even to the utmost, in every condition.  
2. Again to live by Faith, is to live by something without ourselves; it is to see all in Christ, and nothing in ourselves; it is to look on our own righteousness as dung; and wholly to submit to the righteousness of Christ; as you also may see in Phil. 3 8, 9, 10.  
3. To live by Faith, is to rest satisfied in every dispensation of God, that all is for the best to us; and to look on all things as if they were already done according to God's promise, or our own desire; so that our content may be in every thing as well as if we had all things; All things are yours (saith Paul) you are Christ's, and Christ is Gods, there is a full enjoyment of all.  
4. The Spirit of God works also by direction, directing of every soul, whom it hath wrought the former effects in, to do the will of God, to walk in the ways of his Commandments, whispering in every soul, and saying, This is the way, walk in it. This duty thou must do, and that evil thou must leave undone. And therefore examine thyself; dost thou not find the Spirit of God telling thee, thou must perform Duties of holiness, and refrain the evil of sin? if not, I dare say, thou art yet in thy sins.  
5. The Spirit of God works also by assisting us to do that which it directs us to; it never directs us to do a Duty and leaves us: No, it stay by us and enables us to go thorough it, and not only so, but even with sighs to God for us, which cannot be by us uttered, it helps our infirmities. Rom. 8. 26. Examine thy soul, when didst thou ever go to God by prayer, or any Duty else, that this Spirit was not ready to assist thee? and to thy comfort take notice of this for time to come, and thou shalt find this truth, if ever thou hast had this work on thee.  
6. God closes up all our comfort in this life, in this last degree of his working, that is, by a full witness of his Spirit, that we are his sons and daughters. And this is a very high enjoyment indeed, yet no higher than all the Saints do enjoy; and indeed thou art not a Saint till thou hast this Witness in thy soul. And this the Apostle Paul affirmeth in Gal. 4. 6, 7. Because ye are sons, God hath sent the witness of his spirit to testify it to you, and therefore ye are no more servants. Again, in 1 Joh. 3. 2. Now are we the sons of God: And in Joh. 1. 12. He gives all that through faith lay hold on him, power to be his sons: God doth evidence to all the Saints their interest in Christ, and this is to them a sure Record; as 1 Joh. 5. 7. 8. This is the new name, and the white stone spoken of in Rev. 2. 17. which none knoweth save he that hath it. This is that earnest which Paul tells the Ephesians of, in chap. 1. 14. And this also you may see in Phil. 1. 13. and 4. 30. After you believed you were sealed with the holy Spirit; the which Spirit you see is that which seals all the Saints to the day of Redemption; and all this is given to the Saints, to assure them that God is their Father, and Christ their Husband, as the Spouse in the Text doth witness. And yet further take notice how God doth this great work; he gives the Spirit as the earnest of our Inheritance: as a man gives one pound, or one shilling in earnest to pay a thousand: so the Lord gives his Spirit in earnest of enjoying his presence in Heaven for ever. And the soul that hath this Earnest, may be sure, that as God is God, he shall have the whole sum made good to him. And that all the Saints may know this is true, God will set a seal on their souls, to confirm them; and therefore thou mayest say on good grounds, if thou hast this seal and this earnest, that thou canst not miss of Christ.  
Again, the Spirit assures us by working in us a fruitfulness. The Apostle saith, He hath wrought in us grace for grace, Joh. 1. 16.  
So that the soul is now endeavouring to imitate Christ, and to have some of every grace that is in Christ; and this is also a help to try our souls by.  
Use 2. The second Use is of Exhortation to all the Saints, that they love and prize Christ very highly, that they make him the beloved of their souls, as we see the Spouse doth; the Saints should love Christ dearly, because he is their All in all.  
1. He is their Saviour, who died for them.  
2. He is their Root, from whence all their good and happiness springeth upward to God.  
3. He is their Head, through which is given down all their enjoyments.  
4. He is their Life and Crown of Glory.  
1. He is their Saviour, who died for them to save them, and them only, from eternal damnation, 1 Thes. 1. 10. It was the blood of Christ which God accepted; the precious blood of Christ, as Peter saith, 1 Pet. 1. 19 And therefore how canst thou that callest thyself a Saint choose but love Christ dear; and account him precious, who poured out his precious blood for thee? Think on this; for certainly it is highly to be prized, that Christ the son of God should die on the Cross for poor souls to make them like himself.  
2. The Saints ought to love Christ because he is the Root that beareth all which God requires of them; you are complete in him, Coll. 2. 10. He is a perfect Christ for poor imperfect Saints; he makes up the wants of the Saints, in his own obedience; and offers it up to God as a sweet smelling savour.  
How much then are all the Saints bound to love Christ as their Root or Bottom, on which they stand, in regard they are poor weak Creatures, and can do nothing without Christ, that is any better than dung in the sight of God.  
Thirdly, Christ is dear to be beloved by the Saints, because he is their head, through which God gives all that they enjoy to them. Nay, God hath laid up all his fullness in Christ for the Saints, as Col. 2. 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and ver. 3. Paul saith, All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ. And in the same Epistle, chap. 1. ver. 19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. By this you may see all Grace is laid up in Christ; and that is the way through which God gives all these Treasures to the Saints: our Comfort, our assurance, our earnest, our All in all is through Christ: And therefore let this exhort every Saint to follow Christ, to love Christ, and to account him precious; and though thou see vain and carnal hearts to slight Christ, and their Obedience, yet do thou love him the more: 'tis a good warning for thee to quicken thee in thy love to him.  
4. He is their life and Crown; no life out of Christ; thou hast reason to love him who is thy life, Col. ●. 3 4. Our life is hid with Christ in God; and when Christ which is our life shall appear, then shall we appear. How should this engage all the saints to love Christ, seeing he is thy all in all, and thou nothing at all? Love him for thy own sake, if thou hast not any better principles: For I tell thee thou oughtest to love him dear, like the Spouse of Christ.  
Use 3. The third Use is to all that yet want this Assurance of Christ: That they now whilst yet 'tis to day, accept of mercy; you see that all the Saints have a full Assurance of the Love of God, and you see how God works on them, you see that there is no life but in Christ: Let all this set your hearts on work to look after this Christ, that you may come to have all those high privileges made yours, and have your sins done away in the blood of Christ, that you may no longer be children of wrath, and under the curse, but that you may be made like the Sons of God.  
I shall not stand on this Use longer in regard here followeth a larger Invitation to all such; to which I shall refer all that desire to be made partakers of this mercy, and proceed to the next Use.  
Use 4. Which is the fourth and last, and is also a Use of Comfort to all that do enjoy Christ, and that can say upon good and sure grounds, God is my God, and Christ my Christ; and let this Comfort all the Saints, and bear up their spirits in every Condition; this should be indeed the very life and comfort of the Saints, to consider their near relation to God and Christ; this made the Apostle Paul say, as he did in 1 Cor. 2. 9 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard what capacity God hath put the Saints in; yet God hath revealed it to them by his Spirit. Here is exceeding comfort, that the great God should do such great things for the Saints as these are.  
1. He hath made them his sons.  
2. He hath made them heirs of heaven.  
3. He hath sealed up their souls to the day of Redemption.  
4. He hath given them the earnest of his Spirit.  
5. He hath made them partakers of his own nature.  
6. He will make them like himself.  
1. That they are his sons, you may see in 1 Joh. 3. 1, 2. Now are we the sons of God; and not only called so, but really to be so.  
2. God hath made all the Saints heirs of heaven, Rom. 8. 17. so in Tit. 3. 7. They are made heirs of eternal life.  
3. Their souls are sealed up; God hath set a seal on them, Joh. 6. 27. Such a soul hath the Father sealed. Their souls are sealed to the day of Redemption, Eph. 4. 30.  
4. God hath given the Saints the earnest of his Spirit, as a pledge of his love, till they enjoy him fully, 2 Cor. 1. 22. so in Eph. 1. 14. it is called the Earnest of the Saints inheritance.  
5. He hath made every Saint a partaker of his own nature, 2 Pet. 1 4. And  
6. He will make them like himself, 1 Joh. 3. 2. Put all these things together, if thou art a Saint, and apply the comfort to thyself; here is an abundance of it; well mayest thou cry out with Paul, O the depth and riches of the love of God, to make poor sinners so near to himself!   

Two Questions answered.  
The first is, How shall we know a Godly man, or a man in the state of Grace?  
The second is, How shall we know an  man, or a man in the state of Nature?  
BEcause many, nay most miscarry herein, thinking themselves godly, when indeed there is no such matter: therefore we shall endeavour to lay open to public view, so that every Conscience shall and must confess, who indeed is the Godly man, and who the Ungodly. And this we shall prove by Scripture, and also by experience, which cannot be denied.  
The first Question is,  
Who is the Godly man, and how shall we know him?  
Ans. Thou shalt know a godly man assuredly by these nine particulars; both that he is a godly man, and wherein his godliness consists: and he may know himself also by these marks.  
First, a Godly man is a Converted man, he is newborn, his Nature is changed. Every man must be a new Creature before he can be godly; and this Christ tells us in Joh. 3. 3. Thou canst not see the Kingdom of God, nor any thing that pertaineth to godliness, except thou art Newborn; that is, except God come in by his power, and give thee the sight of all thy sins, and (as it were) break thy heart at the sight of them, and give thee true and unfeigned Repentance, and that he show thee thy lost and undone condition, as thou art in thyself for ever, and that he hath caused thee to lay hold on the Lord Jesus Christ for life; and to give up thyself to be governed and guided by him. I say, except thou hast felt this work upon thy soul, thou art not a godly man; and thou seest it is truth; Christ himself said so to Nicodemus, and if thou wilt believe what he saith, let this be granted. And yet further, the Apostle Paul tells us, that if any man think or say that he is a godly man, or in Christ, and be not a new Creature, he is a liar. And this you may see by comparing 2 Cor. 15. 17. with 1 Joh. 1. 6. If you say you have fellowship with God, or that you are godly, and are not new Creatures, but walk in your old darkness, than you see the word saith you are liars: And although this be indeed the work of God alone, and that it be only between God and the soul; yet this is for ever a true Note, that thou canst not be a converted man, but it must appear in thee; it did so in the godly men of Old; when Saul was converted, in the 9 of the Acts, you may see how it did appear to the world, that God had called him, and now he was not ashamed to profess that which he had so much despised, Now Paul began to learn how to live godly in Jesus Christ.  
And because this first mark is the wheel (as it were) which turns the whole work; give me leave to come as near thee as possibly, and ask thee this Question; art thou a changed man? hast thou a new nature? is thy heart possessed with godliness? art thou indeed a godly man? Then tell me, how camest thou to be so? Did not God work thee over by showing thee the ugliness of sin? canst thou not remember the time, when to be assured of the love of God in Christ, was worth ten thousand worlds? and was it not the love of Christ that hath constrained thee to follow God? If this be truly to be found in thee, I do assure thee that thou art a son or daughter of God. But if thou hast received that which thou enjoyest, either by tradition or education, or else by some flashes of comfort upon any other ground whatsoever, I tell thee thou art but an hypocrite, thou art not a godly man.  
You shall see an example of this in Acts 16. 29, 30. When the power of God comes, than the poor sinner trembleth, and O then what shall I do to be saved? It is the work of God to show the sight of sin in its colour, that drives him to see the want of a Saviour: then Christ is desirable and not before, not until God begin to work on him; and therefore whosoever thou art that thinkest thou art a godly man, and hast not been thus changed, thou deceivest thy soul. There are many, nay most of the people in this land, that are even utterly lost here; for alas they think that they are godly, because of some moral excellencies that are in them; and so even from the Priest unto the people many are deluded. To all such persons I shall present that Lesson of Christ, John 3. ver. 3. to 8. And as Christ said to him, so say I to you, Marvel not at this; for it is a truth of God; and if ever thou see the Kingdom of God, thou must be acquainted with it: therefore stifle not thy conscience which tells thee thou art not yet such a one as hath been thus changed; and therefore now mark the godly man, and thou shalt find him to be such a one as I tell thee of: But when God is working on his Saints, you look on it as a poor contemptible thing, and many of you have mocked, as you did at those poor Saints of God, whom the Devil and wicked men together called by a nickname of Puritans; you would not be such for a world, such poor despised creatures as they were. Well, you must know, that of such is the Kingdom of God; they were godly men. And so now at this day, they that are begotten again by the Spirit and power of God, they are the godly men indeed.  
A godly man is a new man, and you shall see it in his life; I warrant you, he hath given sin farewell. It may be he was a Drunkard, a Swearer, and what not? But now what is he? Canst thou discern no change? Is it not apparent that he hath put off the old man? as Paul saith, Eph. 4. 22, 23, 24. This old man must be put off, and the new man put on; assure thyself whosoever thou art, that thou art not a godly man until it be done in thee. A godly man is a cleansed, a washed man, Tit. 3. 5. his filth is done away in the blood of Christ, Rev. 1. 5. A godly man, his scarlet sins are made white in the blood of Christ, Rev. 7. 14. A godly man is a new man, his affections are new, he hath a new mind, he is renewed by the Spirit of God, yea in some measure he is sanctified, 1 Cor. 6. 11. The Spirit of God now dwells in him, and acts him in spiritual acts. Oh how his mind is now taken up about that infinite love of God in sending the Lord Christ to die for him, and how is his desire now after Christ? Give me Christ (saith he) whatever I want; all is dung to him (as Paul saith) in comparison of Christ; now he can see the nothingness of all things below the enjoyment of God in the Lord Jesus. A godly man, his heart is much taken with the righteous commands of God; there is nothing grievous to him, as john saith 1 Joh. 5. 3. Wouldst thou know a godly man, then take notice wherein he is employed, thou shalt find him employed for his God in acts of holiness; thou shalt find him much in holy duties; thou shalt find him fitting himself for the Bridegroom, that he may go in with him into the marriage-chamber; and whilst thou seest rugged and hot-spirited men gnashing at one another about carnal privileges and empty shells, thou shalt find a godly man endeavouring to search out the great mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and therein lifting up the praise of God, and trying his heart by the Word of truth, keeping a Diurnal of his daily practice, and so can say as Hezekiah, Remember O Lord how I walked before thee I see 2 King. 20. This work is fit for a godly man, and by this thou mayest know him. So much of the first mark, He is a new man.  
2. A godly man, wouldst thou know him? thou shalt know him in the second place by his Will; his will is now subject to the will of God. See an example of this in Saul, Act. 9 Although he was going with a full consent to persecute the Saints of God, and that with zeal; yet so soon as God doth but speak to him, see the change in him, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? And let the will of God be what it will, he will be willing to submit to it; and therefore it is that the godly man sets such a high esteem upon the Word of God in the Scriptures, because the revealed will of his God is discovered there; there he finds it the will of his God, that he should hear the voice of his Son; This is my dear Son (saith God) hear him. To which the godly man answers, Must I hear the voice of Christ? nothing in the world is more sweet to me. He looks not on it as a burden, but as a high privilege, and would be content to enjoy it continually.  
Further, the godly man eyes the will of God in all things, and endeavours to bring his will under it. As to instance in some things: first, in that which Paul saith, 1 Thess. 4. 3. The will of God is our Sanctification; the godly man sees it to be the will of God, and therefore he endeavours according to his strength to possess his vessel in honour and sanctification; I mean, acts of godliness, by humbleness, patience, prayer, thanksgiving, etc. By which thou mayest see clearly that he is such a one as I have told thee of. And so likewise in all things, in every dispensation of God, the godly man is willing to yield to God, either to take up or to cast down; in all things he is content, as Paul saith of himself, content in every condition.  
And yet further, he is very inquisitive after the knowledge of Gods will: a gracious heart is not content to follow God in some things, and neglect others: no, he is enquiring still further, and strives to go on to higher attainments: he presseth forward (as the Apostle Paul saith) to the mark. And here thou mayest discern him also from the formal man, who keeps much ado about his knowledge, as if he knew all things, and would force all to live as he, and that none should step beyond him: but a godly man in the state of grace, he is so far from this kind of temper, that he sees nothing in himself; and as Paul saith, 1 Cor. 8. 2. neither knows as he ought to know: Therefore his desire is, that all men who are godly, should press forward; he knows there are yet higher attainments to be enjoyed, and therefore is industrious to find out truth; and when he hath found it out, he confers not with flesh and blood, but goeth on to do as he is commanded.  
3. Wouldst thou know a man in the state of grace, a godly man? thou shalt know him by his love to God and his ways; such a soul loveth the Lord Christ dearly. O how delightful are all these to him! he cries out as the Spouse, the Saints of Christ, Cant. 1. 2. and 7. O thou whom my soul loveth! the heart and soul of a godly man is engaged to love God and Christ, and the ways of God, that he thinks he never loves them enough; and cries out as David, Psal. 31. 23. O love the Lord ye his Saints! and then for his love to Christ, he is sick of it, longs to be with Christ, Cant. 25. Tell such a soul of what thou canst, 'tis in vain; his love cannot be drawn from his God and dear Redeemer; and therefore that is the reason why a godly man holds on in his love to God, and his ways, because it is fixed firmly, and on good and sure grounds; and here now thou mayest discover why those that have made fair shows in Religion, have fallen away, because they had not this love firmly fixed; they reserved to themselves other lovers which at last stole away the heart after them. And again, the hearts of such were never new modelled; they never saw as yet what it was truly to enjoy the love of God; and therefore how should such love him, so as to hold out all weathers? God will by one way or other discover all such Wandring-stars; but chief his way is to do it by themselves; he gives them up to that lust which they were most in love with, so that all the world may see that they never loved God nor his ways in truth.  
We see many in these days so laid open and made manifest: I hope it will not be long that such rotten-hearted men shall have any shelter under the profession of godliness. God hath begun to lay them open, some of every form. Some in turning with the sow and dog, to build that which they cried so often to destroy; and to accomplish their ends, join themselves with that Crew which God hath (as appears) designed to ruin; and this they do (as 'tis pretended) out of zeal. But wilt thou know what the practice of a godly man is? then see Gal. 5. 22, etc. to the end of the Chap. thou shalt in spite of thy teeth by this word be condemned; for in no part is this to be found in thee: in stead of these, thou art no better than a rigid Railer, who art not content with Gods will, but wouldst have thine own accomplished, as appears by thy late actings, which 'tis a shame to name: And instead of admiring at the goodness of God in delivering his people from that trouble which they were in before these wars, and in bringing down the proud looks of the greatest Enemies they had, even Mighty and Noble ones are fallen; and that he hath raised a poor despised small Number, and given them the Rule of this Commonwealth, and hath by them in some measure sorely wounded the hairy scalp of the wicked: I say, in stead of thy admiring and blessing God for this, thou art discontent, and hast not a heart for, but against this great work. I tell thee, and thou shalt find it true, that if thou return not from this, thou wilt even perish with the enemies of God and his people. I can only lay it before thee; Be not wise in thine own conceit.  
To be short: Thou seest many others discovered. Some for defrauding the State, and such like, have been Cashiered, with their sin on their head; Others more wicked, for denying the Lord that bought them, (as the Apostle saith.) Some called Ranters, and others who deny the Word and Ordinances of God, are laid open; Others who are more subtle, yet deny Duties of holiness, are discovered. And now there is like to be no cloak for them, by reason those that are truly godly are withdrawing from them. And therefore now, O ye wand'ring Stars! hear what the Word of God saith (which some of you deny) in the Epistle of Judas; and let thy Conscience, if it be not seared, answer, What thinkest thou will become of thee, when the Lord Christ cometh in flaming fire to render vengeance on such as thou art, for not obeying his Gospel? 2 Thess. 1. 8, 9, 10. Shift it not off, but receive this as thy portion. But to return to what was in hand before; A godly man may be easily known from any of these, by his love to that which they despise, namely (and in answer to the first) they delight to see the will of God accomplished; O how sweet are his mercies! He eyes God, and blesseth him for reckoning with his enemies, and for bringing their necks to the block, and for rooting out their posterity; and for dealing thus closely with that hypocritical Nation of Scotland; and for discovering his and our enemies, that plot and contrive to hinder the great work of God on foot among us. Also by his love to the Word of God and his Ordinances, and his delight in holy duties; by these thou mayst know a godly man. Mark them now for time to come, for they only are the godly men.  
4. A godly man may be known yet further by his desires; a godly man's desires are chief to these following particulars.  
1. His great desire is, that he may bring some glory to God, and he is earnest about it; Thou mayst take notice of such a man, he is ready to embrace all opportunities wherein he may do any good, and will not flinch back, though he see great difficulty in it; his heart tells him that God hath called him to it, and therefore he desireth to embrace it.  
2. In the next place, he is earnest in his desires after Communion with God: as David saith, My soul longeth and panteth for thee, Psal. 84. 2. so it is with a truly godly man; O how his soul longs more and more to enjoy the presence of God how doth it refresh his poor soul to have communion with him! all his Springs are in him; the very life of a godly man is in his communion with God; what sweet discourses are there between God and such a soul!  
And yet 3. his desires are not only for himself, but also for others; as the Apostle, 1 Joh. 1. 3. that others may have fellowshp in this precious enjoyment.  
4. Such a soul, his desires are always submissive desires, content with every thing God sees fit for him, Phil. 4. 11. Therefore now by this try and see who is the godly man.  
5. A godly man who is so indeed, is full of the bowels of love towards the Saints. Beloved, now observe who they are that his love is so to; they are such as walk holily, such as he is persuaded have the image of Christ in them; and for this only he loves them. And here by the way, thou mayst know him also from those that cry up Forms, and love one another because they are under the same form, and so judge carnally of spiritual things; and as the Apostle Paul saith, walk even as men, knowing one another after the flesh. See 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2, 3. I say, thou mayst know a godly man from such clearly; a godly man loves the Saints, because they are his fellow-members of the body of Christ; he is bone of his bone (as it were) receiving nourishment from the same root. O how dear are the truly godly to each other! 1 Cor. 12. 27. Joh. 15. 5. Branches springing forth from the same root, and so are dear to each other. Here thou mayst discover an Hypocritical people in this Land, who would fain be accounted Saints; and thou shalt see they never take notice of them, nor show any love to them, especially if they be poor; proud hearts cannot stoop, except to some in places of honour. Well now, see that God hath set even the poorest Saint apart for himself, Psal. 4. 3. Nay, God hath chosen the poor, rich in faith and grace, as James saith (c. 2. v. 5.) and it is most like thou art but as a barren wilderness, that canst so easily pass by and take no notice of them.  
Again, the godly man loves the Saints because they have taken up the Cross of Christ, because that now they are resolved together to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth; though in a field of blood, famine, nakedness, or whatever come, they will never leave Christ; see an example in the 11. of the Epistle to the Hebrews at large. A godly man loves the Saints, because he sees the beauty of holiness upon them, because they are ready still to obey the Commands of God; by this thou mayst know a godly man.  
Sixthly, Wouldst thou know a godly man? then observe this, a godly man, he is the greatest enemy to sin that can be, he strives to kill it. O how he sees the ugliness of it! and how he cries to God for power against it! the sight of it makes him to say as Paul, Rom. 7. 24. His body seems to him a body of death, by reason of the remains of sin: well, but his work is to kill it, he gets on the Armour of God, and fights it out till 'tis destroyed; even the least appearance of it is tedious to him; take notice of such a man, and see how his heart is set against it both in himself and others; he hath a perfect hatred against it, as David, Do I not hate them that hate thee? yea, with a perfect hatred; see Psal. 139. 20, 21, 22. Well, what is the reason David hates them so; it is only because they sin against his God: 'tis because they do wickedly that he hates them; and not only in others, but also in himself: he hates every false way, Psal. 119. 104.  
By this you see a godly man is an enemy to sin; he will kill and destroy it, if possible, as the Apostle saith, Rom 6 6. He thinks it the greatest shame in the world, to sin against his God; and therefore who ever thou art, assure thyself, except thou find in thyself this hatred of sin, thou mayst conclude thou art not godly; thou mayst conclude so, because that every godly man is of a nature utterly opposite to sin; the Spirit of God in him sets up a standard against it; he cannot endure it because it is so contrary to his loving God: and here thou mayst know him from one who makes no great matter of sin, takes little notice of it, neither in himself or others: I say, thou mayst know him clearly from such; for he makes it his work to kill, and destroy both open sins in others, and secret sins in himself; and he is most busy with that at home; he will harbour no sin so near the spirit of God.  
Seventhly, A godly man makes Conscience of time, he accounts his time precious, and therefore he takes much care how he spends it; and by this indeed may every man be discerned, in taking notice how men spend their times. A godly man takes all opportunities to do his duty, is careful that he waste not that which was bought at so dear a rate; he knows it cost the blood of Christ, as 1 Pet. 1. 18, 19 And also the blood of many a Saint hath been spent for it; to gain this liberty and time we now enjoy, and therefore the godly man will not squander it away, he knows how to employ himself in it; he is not like to those that say they know not how to pass away time, and therefore use foolish gaming and carnal mirth; no, he is not to seek what to do in any spare time; his heart is on God and his glory; and therefore when time is to be had, he studies how he may advance that glory.  
Again, he knows that Fellowship and Communion with God is sweet to him, and therefore hath no time to spend wherein he desireth not this enjoyment. Also he sees much of the mind of God in his Word, and therefore all spare time that he can have, he employs himself to search it out. He sees Communion with the Saints, and Communion with the godly, both precious and profitable; and therefore his heart is so after it, that he cannot waste any of his precious time in carnal and fruitless Discourses; his delight is to meditate in the precepts of God day and night, as David saith in Psal. 1. where thou hast this largely set forth; there thou shalt find what are the ways of the godly; and also what kind of men wicked men are, which make no conscience of time how they spend it.  
And here now let none deceive themselves, and shift off this Mark, as though it did not concern them; for assure yourselves, 'tis a truth that godly men account time precious, and make Conscience how they spend it. Lord teach me to number my days (saith David) that I may spend my time in wisdom.  
Again, the godly man knows that time is uncertain; and therefore whilst he hath it, he will not be employed about base and unfruitful Acts. And therefore now who ever thou art that hast not thus valued time, look into that 1 Pet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Is it not a shame that a godly man should live in sin? what shall he spend his time as doth the wicked? Did Christ die on the Cross for a people to make them sons of God, Heirs with himself; and shall they live to the flesh? and spend their time after that? as 1 Pet. 4. Then I pray from what did Christ Redeem his Saints? was it not from sin? from dead works? as 1 Pet. 1. 17, 18. if not, what meaneth that saying of the Apostle Paul, in Eph. 4. 1, 2, 3? & what meaneth that 1 Pet. 1. 14, 15 & also that in 1 Pet. 2. 9, 10 11, 12. Read & lay these to heart, for thou seest it is a truth that the Saints make conscience of their time: A godly man sees that he was called to that end, and therefore makes aright use of it. I shall end this branch with the same Advice & Caution that the Apostle used to the Hebrews in ch. 3. 12, 13, 14. And I say take heed lest thou hast an evil heart in departing from the living God, and from the ways of godliness, to spend thy time in idleness and profaneness, lest thou find thy heart besotted with the deceitfulness of sin; and so instead of holding out, and persevering in holiness, thou art cut off and cast out as a dead branch, and so witherest away even to destruction. See what Christ saith, Joh. 15. 6. Read and consider this Chapter.  
Eightly, Wouldst thou know a godly man? thou shalt find him out by his manner of performing holy duties, thou mayst perceive his heart to be affected with what he doth. If he prays, thou shalt see how his words savour of the Spirit of God in him; so in his Discourse his experience of God flows from him; And here thou mayst know him from one who enjoys not the Spirit of God easily thus; though the godly man's abilities be small, yet his duties are performed rightly; the other out of fear of Judgement, or out of formality, or to appease Conscience, keeps much ado, as the Pharisees did, of whom Christ speaks in Matth. 6. thinking to get something by it, and so salve up their wounded Consciences who cry guilty. But the godly man doth his duties out of a tender love, and obedience to the object who hath so loved him, and so maketh good that word of the Apostle John; we love him because he first loved us: so he doth them out of love, and also out of Obedience to his Commands. A godly man performs holy duties because God commands them; and so maketh good that saying of Christ, If ye love me keep my Commandments. A godly man in his duties rests not on them, but flies from them to Christ, and accounts all that is done in the creatures strength but as dung and dross.  
Again, a godly man hath a low esteem of himself, and he thinks he is in his best but an unprofitable servant. He desireth not a high esteem in the sight of men. This thou mayst see in a godly man's performances of duties.  
Ninthly and Lastly, Wouldst thou know a godly man? then take that course to find him as Christ speaks of in the 7, of Matthew, ver. 16. to 21. See what fruit he beareth; a godly man bringeth forth good fruit, and by that thou mayst know him. He is as David saith. Like a tree planted by the river's side, which bringeth forth his fruit in due season; his leaf withereth not; it is not so with the wicked; see Psal. 1.  
Here thou mayst know a godly man from frothy turbulent-spirited men; the godly man bringeth forth fruit with patience, Luke 8. 15. But the other three sorts there mentioned, were carried away: they could not have patience to wait so long on God: something chokes their hearts: therefore be not deceived (as Paul saith) neither mistake in this; for if thou dost miscarry here, all is lost, Ephes. 5. where from ver. 1. to 26. the Apostle discourseth what godliness is, and what kind of men godly men should be, and also the ungodly what they are. Read and Consider. A godly man is a fruitful man; and therefore be not deceived: Let men go under what title or name soever they will, pretend what they will, 'tis to no end, except they bring forth fruits, they cannot be godly; and therefore now we come to the last pinch; give me leave to tell thee who ever thou art, great or small, rich or poor; let thy mind be what it will, let thy judgement be how it can; I tell thee except thou find these in thee, thou art yet a stranger to the life of God and godliness. And yet further, see what fruits these are in Gal. 5. 22. and so to the end of the chapter; a spiritual man bringeth forth spiritual fruit, as you find in this Scripture; he is full of love, humbleness, patience, thanksgivings; these are fruits fit for a godly man to bear, and by these thou mayst know him.  
Further, Dost thou not see now who are the godly men in these days? if thou dost not, I will tell thee; the reason is, either because thou art carnal, or else blinded with some forms or other, in which thou dost take more delight than in the power of truth; and that is also the reason why thou lovest not the godly man for his godliness, but for his Judgement sake; the examples of which are so sad in these days, that it is a shame to name them. Well now, know that 'tis not thy form but thy fruit, that makes it appear that thou art godly; and God is glorified in thy fruits of righteousness, and not in thy foolish fancy, for which thou so frettest thyself. See what Christ saith, Joh. 15. 8. To be a disciple is to be fruitful, and in that God is glorified. I shall close up this first Question with the saying of David, in Psal. 4. 3. Know that God hath set apart the godly man for himself; and therefore they must needs be fruitful.  
Now a word or two by way of Comfort to such as are truly godly, and also of advice.  
Dear Saints, Is it so that a godly man is such a one as these nine particulars prove? and art thou so indeed? delude not thyself, but speak to thy soul, art thou so? Then to thine everlasting comfort; consider in what relation thou standest.  

1. To God.  
2. To Christ.  
3. To the Saints and Angels.   
For the first, As thou standest to Godward, thou art his son, a son of God. See 1 Joh. 3. 1, 2. And because thou art so, he hath sent forth his Spirit into thy heart, whereby thou art made acquainted with that adoption of Sonship. Now God is thy Father, and when thou hast to do with his name, thou dost it in that relation, My Father, as Gal. 4. 6. Consider of what comfort this is to thee, God is thy Father; and this is not all; thou shalt be made like him; nay, thou shalt see him as he is in the brightness of his glory. And therefore let this advise thee, that thou set not thy heart on any thing wherein thou mayst grieve his Spirit; for he hath given it thee as thy earnest, till thou enjoy him fully.  
And further, Thy life is hid in God; therefore live up in thy affection to him, where thy life is.  
Again, thou art a Child, therefore with all dutiful reverence honour thy Father; thou hast heard already how it must be done, great will be thy comfort in the doing of it.  
Use 2. Secondly, consider in what relation thou now standest to the Lord Christ; he is thy Lord, nay he is thy friend, he is thy brother, and he is not ashamed to own thee so, Heb 2. 11, 12. nay, thou art a joint-heir with him. If thou art a godly man, here is comfort enough for thee; thou art an heir of heaven; I say, if the Spirit of God doth witness this to thee, what canst thou desire more? see Rom. 8. 15, 16, 17. & Gal. 4. 7.  
Well, take this advice now in thy way; if Christ be thy Lord, give up thyself to him, honour thy Lord; if he be thy friend, be faithful to him, deal not deceitfully with thy friend, (I am brief in this for want of time, else how far might I enlarge it!) I say, if Christ be thy brother, then love him dearly; let thy love be as the Spouses in the Canticles. Thou art also betrothed to him. Art thou an heir of heaven? then fit thyself for thy heavenly society; prepare thyself to meet thy Lord, thy brother and husband, in the air, that thou mayst for ever be with him.  
3. Art thou godly? then see how thou standest in relation to the Saints and blessed Angels: thou art a Citizen of the same City, one of the same family, a member of the same body, and a branch of the same vine; and much more might be said: Thou art a Citizen with the Saints; see Eph. 2. 19 and of the same household; Thou art come unto Mount Zion, to the Assembly of the Saints, as Heb. 12. 22 23, 24. and this is of infinite comfort to thee, that thou art a Citizen of the new Jerusalem, and that thy Companions are to be all Saints and Angels.  
Take this advice now, that thou make the Saints thy fellows here; love them, for they indeed are most fit for thy company; it will be a great happiness to thee. Art thou a member of the same body? a branch of the same Vine? what comfort is this to thee! thy nourishment proceeds of the same root; if thou art such a one, thou canst not conceive of half thy comfort it affords thee. I shall end my desires to thee, with that advice which I know is wholesome for thee; namely, seeing thou art a member of the body of Christ, act like a member; and seeing thou art a branch of the same Vine, let thy fruit appear abundantly, that God may be glorified in thee, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 2. 14, 15. Mat, 16 17. Flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee. A wicked man, an ungodly man knows not one title of this, Psal. 92. 6.  
The second Question is,  
How shall we know a man in the state of nature, or an  man?  
I shall briefly and plainly discover such a man, & in doing of it I shall observe the same method that I did in the other Question. Then, if thou wouldst know an ungodly man, my answer is, Thou shalt know him by the same nine particulars that I used to prove a godly man by, I mean by the Rule of contraries. And then the first Mark will be this;  
An ungodly man is an unconverted man; he is still in the Old man, he hath not yet had the work of God upon him; such a man hath had no change wrought in him, he is the same that ever he was; he sees no ugliness in sin, neither doth he apprehend any loveliness in Christ; such men live ungodlily, they are men of unclean lips, nay their minds and consciences are defiled, Tit. 1. 15. They are to every good work reprobate.  
Again, an ungodly man never yet repent truly, neither can he endure to be governed by Christ; the yoke of Christ is too heavy for him, he cannot endure it.  
Again, an ungodly man walks in darkness, and therefore note him, his works are so; he can delight to swear, or lie, or to be drunk, or else to scoff and mock at godly men: and by these he is discerned.  
2. To come more nearly to the business; Thou shalt know him by his will; he hath yet a perverse will; his will is not subject to the Law of God, Rom. 8. 7. Tell such a man of the righteous laws of God, and of his sad condition, what cares he? it may be he will mock, or else bid you hold your tongue; his will is so set upon sin, that you may see his shame daily. As for the Word of God, it may be he reads it, but to no purpose, for he never carries away any part of it; and for any duties or service of God, it is not pleasing to him, and he sees no life in it, Mal. 3. 14, 15. He eyes not the will of God, but his own will he delights in. Further, his desires are not to know God. Then, his Conscience terrifies him.  
3. Wouldst thou find out an ungodly man? thou needst not go far; For thou mayst know him by his hatred to God and his ways. Dost thou not hear him blaspheme, curse, swear, revile, and rend the name of God? this is easily proved by most of the sad souls in England. Others are more Civilised; yet some secret sins keep off their love from God and his ways; pride, covetousness, and such like. Alas, if thou set thy heart upon any sin, though thou think 'tis not worth taking notice of, yet this is enough to keep off thy heart for ever from God. See Ananias and Sapphira, in Act. 5. They kept back part of the price, and that did undo them for ever. And now here thou mayst take notice of many in these days, who pretend they are godly; do but mark them, and thou shalt see they keep much, or at least part of the price: they, when time serves, can break out, so that discovery is made; a rotten heart cannot hold out, because his love is where his treasure is, as Christ saith, Mat. 6. 21. Read and lay this to heart.  
4. We may discern an ungodly man by his desires: What is that which he desires most? 'Tis mostly to be rich, to have honour, to live without care, and enjoy outward contentments. Mark him now: when didst thou ever see him lament in his desires after the enjoyment of God? when didst thou ever find him disputing for God and his ways? It may be thou shalt find them going to hear the Word, and thrusting among godly men; but do but mark them, and as soon as he is departed, his mind is on what he desires, and that he followeth. And this is the sad tone of many poor Professors at this day; they profess to know God, but in works deny him.  
5. Thou mayst know an ungodly man by his hatred to the Saints: such a man loves not the Saints; he can see nothing wherefore he should love them that are indeed the Saints; he looks on them as simple, poor, mean-spirited fools; he knows no better Saint than himself, for (saith he) I hope to be saved as well as the best of you that are so precise; and so shifts off all upon an unsound rotten hope. Poor soul, know, thou art yet in the gall of bitterness: what account wilt thou give to the Lord Christ, when thou shalt stand naked before him with all thy sins about thee? what thinkest thou, wouldst thou not love a Saint then? Remember, Christ is coming in flaming fire to render vengeance on thee and all others that hate his Saints, and obey not his Gospel, Mat. 25. 41. to the end. If thou hast ears to hear, then hear.  
6. Wouldst thou know an ungodly man? thou shalt know him by this; He loves sin; it is so sweet to him, that he cannot part with it. Tell such a man a carnal story, let him see another drunk, and hear another blaspheme, he laughs at it; let it be what sin it will, it never troubles him, he delights either in these or some other: poor soul, he knows not how hateful it is in the sight of God. Take notice now in these times, where in the hand of the Magistrate is lifted up against sin, and thou shalt see what shift poor souls make to sin! They will be drunk in the night; others more secret, yet God finds them out; of which we have many examples of late, and it's like more will follow speedily. Fear then and tremble at your sins, and repent, that thou mayst be hid in the day of the Lamb's wrath. See Rev. 6. 15, 16, 17.  
7, & 8. A man in the state of nature is known by this: He makes no conscience of Time, neither cares he how it is spent; he never considers what it cost, and that had it not been for the sakes of the Saints, he had now been in hell; he minds not holy duties, they are irksome to him. Take notice of him, and thou shalt see him employed about his own lusts, most of his time is spent in vain company; he thinks not of his uncertainty, except it happen that sickness fall on him, and then his Conscience flies in his face; but being recovered, he returns with the sow to wallow in the mire. This is the sad condition of many poor souls, who if they continue so, will one day cry for the hills to fall on them, to hid them from the presence of God.  
9 And lastly, an ungodly man may be known by that mark which Christ used, Mat. 7. 18. A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Thou mayest know a wicked man by his fruit: See what his fruit is, it is of the flesh, it is sin that he bears, as the Apostle saith, Gal. 5. 19 20, 21. Well, know now from this Word of God, that being in this condition, thou hast a sad sentence lying on thee; Thou shalt be cut down and cast into the fire, Mat. 7. 19 They are the words of Christ, and thou art under this condemnation; and whither wilt thou fly from his presence? See in Psal. 139. v. 7, 8. God will find thee out one day, do what thou canst; and then what will become of thee? See Rev. 22. 15. there's thy portion; The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all that forget God.  
Use. Is it so that a natural man is ungodly, and that we have found him who he is; and that he is in so sad a condition? O then poor soul, take this advice, fly to the Lord Christ; there is no way but that, or be damned. Let no time slip now; yet whilst thou hast life, it may be thou mayst find grace: Christ came on purpose to save sinners; Cry to him that thou mayst be one of them. Turn now from sin, and set thy face against the appearance of it. Love the Saints, get acquainted with them, thou hast heard who they are: they will inform thy dark judgement. Leave off thy old Companions; think it no shame to do it, for thou must do it if ever thou be saved. Turn from Satan to God, that thou mayst receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among those that are sanctified. Read the 3. of the Acts from ver. 19 to the end.   

The Manner of a Godly Man's Return after some Back-sliding from the ways of GOD.  
FIrst, Experience tells me the heart is deceitful; the Old man being not wholly crucified, strives to ensnare our poor souls, and many times gets advantage, and brings us to a lost Condition. I am sure in these days many a poor soul hath even run himself off from holy duties and from the society of the Saints, and so hath lain, and not seen his evil: nay, grew dead (as it were) and hardened in it. Many such are returned already; and all the rest that are God's, will follow.  
But before I go any further, I shall show some of the Reasons or Causes that have made this disorder, which otherwise 'tis like might not have been.  
The first cause was the terrible out-cries of some Ministers against all that separated from their National Worship, calling them Heretics, Blasphemers, and such like, calling upon the Parliament, and Magistrate to punish and destroy them, with these ensuing punishments.  

1. With threaten and scourge.  
2. With imprisonments.  
3. With banishments.  
4. With death.   
This was common in their Pulpits, for which I am confident God will reckon with them, because this was the first offence, and the cause of much bitterness. And truly, most of the reason that moved them was fear that now they should not keep the people in blindness, and that their Lordlike power would not stand over the Consciences of men. And the Reason why I thus conclude is this, because they only are the men that uphold Formality; how loath are they to part with their old Relics? nay, we see that many of the Grand fathers among them, still wear their old weed; the rags of Prelacy will hardly come down. Nay, that which is far worse, their patching up a body for Christ, of their carnal hearers, and calling them his Church, and giving them the Ordinances of Christ, which are left only for the Saints, the proof of which is so plain that none can deny: and now it should do well if you would look and see if your Members are such as Christ saith his be, John 15. And see then what fruit they bear; are not most of them mere sots in any thing of God? hast thou found a change in them? doth not thy conscience tell thee that not one of them is truly godly? what then hast thou to do to give the children's bread unto them? And now one thing more I have observed from thee, thou art overjoyed to see any one that is not in thy Form fall into sin: thou never art troubled that God is dishonoured by it: neither dost thou take notice of the daily wickedness committed by those of thy own form: but this thou sayest, This was one of the fellows under new light, and so endeavourest to cast dirt on all. And by such like courses have thy ways provoked many to slight thee and that justly. And envy and evil hath been by thee procured even to the hurt of the Saints. Woe be to him by whom offences come.  
2. Another Reason why many have backslidden, is because of many rotten hearts among themselves, which always waited to find holes open, that under some pretence they might run forth to sin, and by this means many were befooled with them.  
3. Another was the rigidness of them under forms, so that there was no Communion with them unless a man agreed in every part of their judgement, which many could not do, and therefore were fain to withdraw from them, and so to abide alone, which hath caused much evil.  
But to return to the matter in hand: 'tis truth many have back-slidden: the Question will be from what they did back sl●de?  
Answ. It was from the ways of God: and in particular these.  
From the Communion of Saints.  
From holy Duties: As Prayer and Thanksgigiving, and such like. These have been neglected, and reading and meditating on the Word of God: or, that there hath been a yielding to some sin, or that there hath not been that watchfulness over the heart and lips as there ought. These are the things both omitted and committed.  
Now a godly man lies not here, but he returns; and the manner how he doth return, here followeth.  
First, God brings him to see the evil of it: as in Jeremy 31. 19 And then the heart is ashamed and reputes for what hath past; and it works in him a Revenge against sin, and a searching of the heart: there shall no sin now lie in quiet. He longs now for the ways of God, and he sees what 'tis to want Communion with the Saints, and now he longs for it again, and loves them dearly, where he sees fruitfulness in grace.  
Again, his heart is much for holy duties; he will keep close to God by prayer, his soul longs for Communion and fellowship with his God; as David saith, His soul panteth for God, and longeth to enjoy more of him: he sees his own nothingness and weakness, and he flies wholly to the Lord Christ; he dares not trust himself any more. His delight is in the Law of his God, as David saith. And this is the manner how a backslider returns to God and his ways.  
I shall only add a word or two more, and that shall be of Advice.  
1. To those that are not yet returned, but are still in a back-sliding condition. Come off now, and lie not in this sad lukewarm condition, and mind what Christ saith in Rev. 3. v. 15, 16, 17. Think it no small matter to be lukewarm in the ways of God and godliness, lest thou be spewed out of his mouth.  
2. To those that have seen the evil of it, Let this also advise thee that thou keep close now to thy God, and the ways of Godliness: thou seest that 'tis not in vain to serve thy God; set about it then with a perfect heart, and keep a narrow watch that thou be no more ensnared: Let it appear of a truth, that the power of God and godliness is in thee.   

A SHORT TREATISE,  
Wherein is contained.  

1. The worth of a good Conscience.  
2. The Happiness of a holy Conversation.  
3. The Blessed and Comfortable Estate of those that have a true fellowship, with God, Christ and the Saints.  
4. What 'tis to bear the Cross of Christ.  
5. The Reward in holding out to the end.  
6. An Invitation of all sorts of sinners to the offer of Grace.  
7. The woeful Condition of all that accept not of it.   
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning, Pro. 1. 5. You therefore that are wise, and endued with knowledge, show it in a holy conversation,  Jam. 3. 13. 
THe first thing we are to speak of, is a good Conscience and the great Worth of it. Because most men and women keep much ado about it, and yet deceive themselves, we shall proceed,  
1. To show what a good Conscience is:  
2. To prove the worth of it.  
1. What is a good Conscience?  
A good conscience is a conscience washed in the blood of Christ; that is the first step of a good conscience, Heb. 9 14.  
I say, the first step is to be washed in the blood of Christ; that is, to have the guilt of sin clean done away in him. As in Rev. 1. 5. He is the faithful witness, that hath offered up to God a Sacrifice which hath fully satisfied him; as Isa. 53. 11. This Chapter is full of this Discourse.  
Again, A good conscience being so washed, will endeavour to avoid all offences both to God and man; as you see in Acts 24. 16.  
This washing and purging doth not only make clean, but also keeps it clean. It doth not only justify the soul, but also it sanctifies, Heb. 9 14.  
2. A good conscience, is a quicksighted conscience, and that two ways,  
In seeing what is 


Good.  
Bad.     
1. He sees the good, and rejoiceth, as Paul in 2. Cor. 1. 12. Our rejoicing (saith the Apostle) is in the testimony of a good conscience, that with godly sincerity we have walked. Here the conscience sees the good.  
2. A good Conscience sees the evil, and strives against it: As you see the same Apostle, Rom. 7. 23, 24. But I see (saith Paul) another law in my members; O wretched man that I am! here is a quicksighted Conscience; he sees the old man striving, sin endeavouring to make inroads upon the poor soul very often; and therefore it is happy for any soul that hath a sight of it. By this you see that a good Conscience is quick sighted.  
And yet further, such a Conscience will not deceive thee; he will not lie quiet when thou dost evil, but will tug with thee for repentance: and therefore whoever thou art that hast a dead Conscience, and that liest quiet, seest not evil in thy corrupt nature, thou mayst have cause to fear that the guilt is not washed away, but that thou art still in the state of nature.  
Again, a good Conscience fears to sin, nay he trembles at it; and the reason is, because it is against his God; because God hates it, therefore he hates it. See an example of this in Gen. 39 9 How shall I do it (says Joseph) seeing the sin is against my God? I dare not do it.  
Let this teach all that love God, to answer Satan and all their tempters thus: I will not yield to any thing that is against my God.  
Again, a good Conscience fears to wound itself by leaving und●ne those duties which God requires of him; and therefore his work is to keep itself pure and unspotted, as Paul saith in 2 Tim. 1. 3. and his work is to find out and do the will of God. Such a Conscience is always fearful that he doth too little for God, and that his heart is never right enough in what he doth.  
These are the marks to know a good Conscience: there are many more marks to know a good Conscience by, but for the present these are all that I shall name, this being only by the way to make the other more clear.  
The next thing is, the worth or value of a good Conscience.  
Although I cannot tell or declare the just value, yet I shall show some of the worth or value of a good Conscience, by which you shall see how good it is to have such a Conscience: and to do it, I shall lay down these four grounds, which will make it appear why it is at such a rate.  
1. A good Conscience is worth much, because it tells thee thou art at peace with God; thy Conscience testifies to thee that thou art so, as Paul saith, 2 Cor. 1. 12.  
2. A good Conscience speaks peace to thee, and excuseth thee, as Paul saith Ro. 2. 15. When Satan and all thy accusers fly in thy face, thy Conscience tells thee Christ hath paid and satisfied the just Law of God to the full, and that thou art acquitted fully. This is of much worth to thee, and thou canst not set worth enough on it.  
3. The comfort of thy life is much in this, that thou hast not a feared Conscience, neither a dead Conscience, neither a Conscience subjected to dead works; but that thy Conscience is awake, and feels and is sensible of evil, and also of good; and that it tells thee daily without flattery, how the case stands with thee. I say, such a Conscience is much to be valued, that deals plainly, and flies in thy face when thou sinnest, and that will never leave thee till thou see and repent of it: and also when thou dost that which is good, that Conscience will also tell thee thou dost thy duty, and thou mayst expect God and his Spirit with thee in doing his will. Search and see now whether this be not worth much.  
4. The worth and value of a good Conscience, is very high at the time of death. When death comes to take thy life, what is a good Conscience worth then? O then 'tis worth much! What would a man whose Conscience condemns him, give then for this good Conscience? even ten thousand worlds, if he had them. I tell thee, that then it will bring thee into the presence of God with joy; whereas on the contrary it will be as that saying of our Lord, Mar. 9, 46. a worm which will not die.  
Is a good Conscience of such worth? O then strive to keep a good Conscience; let thy exercise be much in it, as the Apostle Paul saith, Act. 24. 16. both towards God and man: first to God; see thou do those duties he requires of thee, and see thou wound not thy Conscience by thy neglect; harken what thy Conscience saith, and quench not those whisper, when it tells thee thou must do this duty, and forbear that evil: I say, whatever thou dost, keep it clear between God and thy soul.  
Again, keep a good Conscience towards God and man; and to do it, observe these things.  
1. That thou avoid carnal company, and carnal speaking; for that will much offend thy Conscience; because thou shouldst make the Saints thy companions, and thy Experiences of God thy discourse.  
2. Be often in private speaking to thy Father; for he longs to hear from thee, and thy Conscience will soon tell thee that thou hast found him meeting thee; God is a loving Father, and he delights to have his Children often speaking to him, and keeps a book of Remembrance, as in Mal. 3. 16, 17. God will make up such among his Jewels; and as a father spareth his son that serveth him, so will God spare such a soul.  
3. Have a care what thou dost in thy deal among men; keep a good Conscience: here thou shalt find many idle words not fit to come out of thy mouth, and many times thy Conscience tells thee that it is evil; avoid it now, and set a watch before thy heart and lips, that thou mayst keep a clear Conscience. And be sure that thou defraud no man: but deal justly, or else thou wilt hurt thy conscience; seek truth as the Apostle Paul saith, Eph. 4. 25. And grow up unto him, who is thy head, as in Eph. 4. 15. Thus much for the first Question.  

The second thing is,  
A holy Conversation, what it is? and the happiness that comes by it.  
1. What is a holy conversation? A holy conversation is this, When a man walks in the ways of God and godliness, than he is said to have a holy Conversation, as in 2 Pet. 3. 11. The Saints of God they are called to it, as we see in 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16. Our God is holy, saith the Apostle, and therefore ye ought to be so in all manner of Conversation, that is, as if he had said, O ye Saints! your God is a holy God, and cannot endure sin, especially in you; therefore be ye holy, that is, be ye obedient unto your God, do what he hath commanded you; be ye godly, call upon your Father, walk in his ways; let thy conversation be in heaven, as the Apostle saith in Eph. 3. 20. A holy conversation is a heavenly conversation. I shall not stand here any longer, in regard I have laid down nine particulars, whereby a godly man may be known. I shall proceed to the benefits that come by a holy life and conversation: you shall find them to be many: As  
1. Thy Communion with God and the Lord Christ; if thou live a holy life, God will delight in thee to do thee good; and will show thee his salvation, Psa. 50. 23. and will have Communion with thee. God is Light, and therefore he will not have communion with darkness, as Paul saith in 2 Cor. 6. 15, 16, 17, 18.  
2. The Saints will love; and own thee if thou live a holy life, than thou wilt have the benefit of their Communion; otherwise if thou live ungodly, they will not own thee. Consider the benefit of this, what it is to be owned among the Saints and servants of the Lord.  
3. Thou will find comfort in the course of thy life, when the judgements of God fall on the wicked, for disobeying his Commands, and that they know not whether to fly from his hand; and that the Lord say to such unprofitable servants, get you from me into utter darkness for ever, as in Matth. 25. 30. Of what benefit will this holy life be to thee, that when thy Lord Christ cometh, he shall find thee doing his will? as in Matth. 24. 46.  
4. At the time of death, thou wilt find a benefit indeed, when thou canst say, as Christ said, I have finished thy work which thou gavest me to do, Joh. 17. 4. And I have glorified thee on earth. What thinkest thou? will it be of no value then, that thou hast lived holy? Thou mayest see of what worth the Apostle Paul makes it in 2 Tim. 4. 6, 7, 8. My departure is at hand, but here is my comfort, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness; and for all them that love the appearing of Jesus Christ.  
5. And lastly, After death thou shalt find that God intends to judge the world by thy conversation in 1 Cor. 6, 2, 3. Nay, even the Angels shall be Judged by it; thou hadst need be holy indeed; what a shame will it be to thee that thou hast lived fruitless and carnal? when God shall open every man's book, and shall judge the world and angels by thy life, of what comfort will it be that thou haft been holy?  
If it be so, then let all that are Saints endeavour to outstrip one another in a holy life and conversation, and that they all watch, and have their Lamps ready with oil to meet the Bridegroom. Matth. 25. Read and consider this, for the Lord Christ will come when we are not ware; and as a thief in the night: and as lightning that is soon come, so will the Lord Christ, Matth. 24. all the chapter.  
Thirdly, What it is to have a true fellowship with God, Christ, and the Saints: and the blessedness and comfort it brings to those that have it.  
First, What this fellowship is with the Father and the Son, as the Apostle John speaks of in his 1. Epist. ch. 1. ver. 2. 3. To have fellowship with God and Christ, is a very high fellowship indeed: Our fellowship is with the Father and the Son, saith the Apostle: that is, God and Christ have given themselves, with their treasures unto us, and we are made partakers of the Divine nature of God; and Christ dwells in the Saints, as you may see 1 Joh. 4. 13. They dwell in them by the spirit: and the Saints they dwell in God and Christ; their very life is in God. Here is a near one-ness indeed; this fellowship is worth much, it is to live in the bosom of God, it is to be very nearly acquainted with God. God speaks by his Spirit to the Souls of his Saints, I am your God and Father, Come unto me in my Son, and I will hear you: The Saints, they bring the Lord Christ with them, and come into the presence of God, and there they make their minds known unto him, they lay their souls open before him: and then the Lord drops in some refreshing, and sends the soul away with sweet content. And this is the fellowship the Saints have with God and Christ.  
Before I go any further, I shall speak a word or two by way of advice to the Saints, and it is this.  
Is it indeed such a nearness that you have with God and the Lord Christ? Let this then advise you that you behave yourselves with holy reverence. Is the holy God so near you, and the Lord Christ in you? Dear friends, how ought you to carry yourselves then in the presence of your God and Lord? God expects reverence from you, as you see in Psal. 89. 7. Look to your hearts, that they wander not from God, when you come into his presence; and that you walk holily with your God, wherever you are. Consider (I say) the great nearness that is between God and you; and let the consideration of it drive away all carnal delights, that thou mayest delight in thy God, to have fellowship with him.  
Secondly, What is it to have fellowship with the Saints? To have fellowship with them, is to be partners in the same enjoyment. I shall draw a comparison here of fellowship in outward things; And although indeed spiritual things should be compared with spiritual things, yet this will much open the word Fellowship, and make it plain.  
There are many things to be observed in fellowship amongst men that deal together, as  

1. They give in their names.  
2. They promise to hazard all alike.  
3. They bring in every man his share.  
4. They send all away to Sea.  
5. They patiently wait for a Return.  
6. When it returns, they receive the profit.   
For the first, the Saints all give in their names to follow the Lord Christ, and the ways of God together.  
2. They promise to hazard all, even their lives and all, rather than to forsake Christ and the waves of God: and this they will do, they will suffer alike; if one member suffer, all the body is a sharer; they will not forsake each other in a time of distress.  
3. Every man brings his share, that is, every man helps on the work when they meet, either by prayer or exhortation, or some word or other, so that they among them make up the sum.  
4. They send all up to God by Jesus Christ.  
5. They wait with patience upon God for his answer.  
And 6. When God answers, they all rejoice together; and this is the profit; their souls grow in grace, and the knowledge of God.  
And yet further, there are several things wherein the fellowship of the Saints exceeds all other. As,  
1. They never receive any loss, there is no damage to them; let them send unto the Father by the Lord Jesus Christ as often as they will, there is no miscarrying.  
2. Though that which they send be never so weak, if it be with the heart, it is accepted at the greatest rate.  
3. There is never no difference among them about the profit.  
Much more might be added; but I shall close up all in one word of advice, that thou mayst highly prise the fellowship of the Saints. Thou seest they have fellowship with God and fellowship with Christ, and that God appears among them: it will be happy for thee to appear with them, that thou mayst partake of their rich favours.  
Fourthly, What is it to bear the cross of Christ? He that will follow Christ, must take up his Cross, as it is Luk. 9 23. and he must deny himself; and take up not only one or two days, but every daves Cross. This thou shalt find the Saints of old did; Look in the 11. to the Hebrews, those (there mentioned) finished their course, and kept the faith, (as Paul saith of himself) even to the death. To carry the cross, is to bear the reproach of Christ: see Heb. 13. 12, 13. Here is a Camp with which we are beset, Flesh and blood, and all the temptations of the world, and also of the heart to hinder us from taking up this cross, from bearing the reproaches of Christ; and therefore the Apostle adviseth us to go out of the camp, and to take up this cross of Christ; and the motive he useth, is, For here (saith he) we have no continuance, your City is yet for to come; you must follow Christ in sufferings, before you enjoy the City: to bear the cross, is to do as Moses did, Heb. 11. 25. to esteem the reproach of Christ great riches; and choose affliction with the Saints, rather than the pleasure of any thing in the world. To carry the cross, is to go on in the ways of God & godliness: let the Devil and wicked men say what they will, call them what they please, mock how they can; yet to continue faithful unto the death, never to forsake Christ, come what will, this is to carry the cross. Again, to carry the cross, is to rejoice in suffering for Christ, that thou art found worthy to bear his reproaches, and to suffer for his name's sake, as did the Apostles in Act. 15. 41. and to bless God with a joyful heart that ever thou hadst this great mark of a Saint, to be mocked and despised for the sake of the Lord Christ. If thou wouldst know what it is to bear the cross of Christ then search the Scriptures, and thou shalt find there both what it is, and who they are that bear it? It is to follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth; in a field of blood, nakedness, famine, reproaches, scandals, and whatever come, to follow him still with rejoicing and comfort. To account all dung and dross for Christ, this is to carry the cross. Thou mayst also see who they are that carry it, and that follow Christ; they are Moses and the godly men of old; they were the Disciples of Christ, namely, all that believe unto salvation, that are the bearers of the Cross.  
Thou mayst find them now under the reproach of Heretics & Sectaries, and such like, with a multitude of lies and scandals cast on them: and thou shalt the more clearly discern them, if thou take notice with what patience and meekness they carry it, and how they not long ago in most places were cried out at as the only disturbers of the Nation, and those that were hardly fit to live; especially by carnal Priests and their disciples: I say, thou mayst see who they are by these things, and by their good carriage to such at this day, endeavouring to win them in love.  
To carry the cross, is to submit to God in all things willingly, and to yield to Christ in all things, and to carry his yoke, and learn of him, as you have it in Mat. 11. 29, 30. in all things Christ should be our pattern. If we be found to bear the cross after this manner, we shall then be found good soldiers for Jesus Christ, and the reward followeth in the next place.  
Fifthly, What good comes by holding out in the ways of God and godliness? There is much comfort in it; some of which I shall speak of, as  
First, if thou hold out and never flag, than herein thou wilt be like the Saints of old, who went through fire and water for Christ, who forsook all for a naked Christ. I say, this is not a mean thing, to be like those in practice, that are now in the arms of the Lord Christ.  
Again, if thou hold out to the death in the ways of God and godliness, as the Saints formerly did, than thou mayst expect the same reward they did. And this will be of much comfort to thee. Heb. 11. 26. Moses had a respect to the recompense of reward; and so mayst thou too, if thou holdest out as he did in the ways of godliness; and for further encouragement to thee, thy reward will be great, Heb. 10. 35.  
See to thy everlasting comfort what the Lord Christ saith, Matth. 5. All the first part of the Chapter, but in ver. 10, 11, 12. There thou mayst see that 'tis thy portion, and the end of it is blessed: I say, rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is thy reward. The men of the world did ever do so by the Godly; therefore rejoice now; for there is a reward for the righteous, verily there is so, as David saith, Psa 58. 11. Thy reward will be an inheritance which shall never be taken from thee; it is a Kingdom, Luke 12. 32. It is a Kingdom that cannot be moved, Heb. 12. 28. If thou hold out to the death, see then what Christ promiseth to thee, Rev. 2. 10, 11. even a Crown of Life; therefore fear nothing, let wicked men say and do what they will, let the Devil do what he can; all is only to try thee, and fit thee for the Crown of Life, which Christ thy Lord and Righteous Judge will give unto thee, and unto all that hold out to the end, 2 Tim. 4. 8.  
6. We cannot end our discourse, but that we must speak a word or two to those that are yet in a state of nature; and endeavour to lay before them the bread of Life; and offer to them that which is so lovely and precious; and that thou mayest prise it, and accept of it, I shall tell thee,  

1. In what condition thou art.  
2. What will help thee out of it.  
3. How happy thou wilt be if thou accept of it.   
For the first: Thy condition is sad, and therefore hearken hither, thou art without God in the world; and so is every one that is in a state of nature. You have it in Scripture at large; we shall search it out, Eph. 2. 12. Here thou art without Christ, and without God; thou art a stranger to the ways of God. Consider what will become of thee: Again, you shall find in 2 Cor. 13. 5. that you are Reprobates. It may be you may think it strange: But here you see 'tis true; thou art but a Reprobate, though thou art civilised, and wouldst make show of Religion; yet it is most certain except Christ be in thee: and therefore mark now some few things that I shall tell thee: Every man and woman is by the fall of Adam under the wrath of God, and so thou wast assoon as thou wast born liable to the curse, Rom. 6. 23. and thou art polluted in sin. Also by thy actual transgressions thou art cursed: As thou art in thyself, thou canst not keep the holy Law o● God, and that also is a curse to thee, Gal. 3. 10.  
Now take notice of thyself; art thou yet in that state? Art thou yet in thy sins? canst thou tell of nothing? dost thou look for any thing from the Law to do thee good? hast thou not yet seen the worth of Christ? then now hearken; for thou art in a sad Condition, all thy sins are lading thy poor soul down to hell: and I tell thee, except thou take this Advice in the following Remedy, thou art undone for ever.  
2. Thou must take this Remedy, come to the Lord Christ, and get thy sins washed away in his blood, that thou mayst become clean and white, and that thou mayst have thy guilt done away in him. He came from the bosom of God to the end that he might save sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 15. Come unto him now that thou mayst be one of them. And that thou mayst not be deceived here, I will tell thee how thou must come to him; and how thou must accept of him; thou must forsake all thy sins, and become a new man; forsake all thy old lusts, as the Apostle Paul saith in 2 Cor. 5. 17. Forsake all thy old Companions with whom thou hast formerly delighted to commit sin, and thou must give up thyself to Christ, and inquire what his will is, and begin to do his will; thou must now love Christ, and let thy soul long for him; take up his yoke and learn of him; lay down all thy own righteousness at his feet, and let him be thy righteousness; make choice of the Saints to be thy Companions, love them, and be often with them. Nothing but this will help thee, therefore make no delay, come to the Lord Christ: he hath promised that those which come to him, he will in no wise cast off. Joh. 6. 37. Christ stands at the door and knocks; wilt not thou open to him, and let him in? Rev. 3. 20. Entertain him whilst it is called to day, lest thou die in thy sins. Turn unto God, that thou mayst receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified, Act. 26. 18. That when the time of refreshing shall come, and the Lord shall send Jesus Christ, which now is offered to thee, thou mayst have the witness of a good conscience, washed in his blood, and mayst with rejoicing be ready to meet the Lord, and get in with him into the Marriage-Chamber, as thou seest the Saints shall, Matth. 25. 10.  
3. If thou accept of this, how happy art thou? thou art happy indeed; if thou hast Christ, than thou art a Son of God, Joh. 1. 12. Thou shalt be made like him, 1 Joh. 3. 2. and thou art an heir of heaven, Gal. 4. 7. and thou art a Member with the Saints of the body of Christ, Eph. 5. 30. Consider this now, and thou shalt find more comfort than I can tell thee of.  
In the eight place, I shall only speak a word or two of the sad condition all they will be in, that accept not of this offer of grace, that will not hearken to the voice of Christ: poor soul, thou wilt be in a sad condition indeed; for that Christ whom thou slightest, will come in flaming fire to render vengeance on thee, 2 Thes. 1. 8. Then shalt thou cry to the Mountains to fall on thee, to hid thee from the wrath of the Lamb; then shalt thou hear that sad sentence, go ye cursed into everlasting perdition, Matth. 25. 41.. Read this Chapter, and see thy condition, and flatter not thyself; for this will assuredly fall on thee. I shall leave thee with the saying of Christ, Matth. 24. 35, 36, 37, 38, 39   
FINIS.