CHARACTERS IN BLOOD, OR, A Bleeding Saviour, Held out to a BLEEDING SINNER. WHEREIN He may know whether he hath been called, by, and followed after the Leadings of the Spirit. Being a draught of the Spare hours of a Lover of the Faithful. By R. Dyer.  
LONDON, Printed for W. Redmayne, at the sign of the Crown on Addle-Hill, near Carter Lane, 1676.   

To all those, into whose hands this may fall, whether Teachers or Learners.  
MY earnest Request to all, is that you would take every one his Portion, as you find it according to Truth; what's not Truth, let that be returned to me, or blotted out, but if thou findest it truth when brought to the test, of Holy Write, than I advise thee to receive and embrace and put it in practice, and if thou dost not resolve so to do, lay it down and go no further: whether it be reproof to any, or consolation to any, be sure not to reject it: it may be it may meet with some that will cry tear it, cut it, burn it, to the Law and to the Testimony Man, if it agree not with that, I say so too; but if it agree with that, take heed, as for thy life, thy Soul, Man, or Woman, what thou dost, whatever Men say Man, that's insignificant, thy great concern is to hearken what God the Lord speaks, if he speaks Peace man, say not thou there is no peace; and if he say return no more to folly, take heed and venture not, for Gods speaking Peace to any, admits of no liberty of Sin, though this be the very guise of Professors at this very day, I shall say no more to thee now, only beg thee to be serious, and not dally with the things of thy soul.  
R. O.   
1 Cor. 5.7. 
For even Christ our Pass-over is Sacrificed for us.  
THere is not a necessity of opening the design of the Apostle in this Chapter: therefore I shall not take up time nor room in it, but in the Words you may please to take notice of five things:  
First, Of a Pass-over.  
Secondly, Who the Pass-over is: and that is,  
Thirdly, The Service to which he is appointed, and that is to be slain or sacrificed, this may be proved else where, as 2 Acts 23.  
Fourthly, The end for which he is slain: that is,  
1. To declare the glory of God's grace.  
2. To work our Salvation.  
Fifthly, Here are the persons for which all this is done: and that is for Believers, and that is gathered from those little words, (us) and (our,) for even Christ (our) Pass-over is Sacrificed for (us:) what (us,) Paul and the believing Corinthians; time is precious with me, or else I might a little show you the import of a Sacrifice, and what it doth denote, and also show the necessity of poor Believers, Offering a Sacrifice. But I entreat to be excused here, and that I may discourse a little Methodically; let me gather up my design in a plain conclusion from the Words, though many may be drawn clearly out of them, and 'tis this: that the sins of Believers are passed over or acquitted, by virtue of the Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus; I shall  
First, Prove this to be truth from the Word of Truth.  
Secondly, Show a little why it is so.  
Thirdly, Improve this point for Soul advantage.  
First, Prove that Christ is a Sacrifice for believers sins, 3 Rom. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation: By virtue of what, or through what, why his blood: through Faith in his blood, Pray you mark, he doth say through Faith in him; no, than he might have done away sins, and not have died and bled; I! but 'tis through Faith in his Blood, not through the Virtue of his Life, but through his Death: and if you read on, you shall see that this was for the remission of sins, or the passing over of sins: for it will bear that sense; so in Rom. 5.6. In due time Christ died, what for: not to be an example only, not for the testimony of his Doctrine, but (for) the Ungodly: he (died) and he (died) for the Ungodly: yea, saith Paul and the believing Romans, Verse. 8. When we were Sinners Christ died for us; Mark this for sinners, not for the righteous, and them that be perfect, but for sinners; and while they were sinners, (us) that are now Believers were Sinners, when Christ died for (us,) us believers that are now justified by Faith, Vers. 1. so Heb. 9.12. Not by the Blood of Bulls and Goats, not by the tears of our repentance and sorrow, no nor by our blood, but by his own Blood, not our own, but by his own Blood; whose blood, Christ the Highpriest, who hath obtained eternal Redemption for (us,) and Vers. 15. For this cause he is the Mediator, what cause, that by means of death he might redeem the Transgressor's that were under the first Testament, and Ver. 26. But now once in the end of the World, hath he appeared to put away sin, by the Sacrifice of himself, not to bring the news of sinners putting away sins by the sacrifice of themselves, but by the sacrifice of himself, and he was offered to bear the sins of many, Vers. 28. where are they then that take upon them to assert, he did not bear believers sins, are not these plain words, need they any interpretation, and here is not one single Text only, but 'tis the whole scope of the Apostle; many more might be produced, but I'll only mention one more, and then I hope their Sandy Foundation will be shaken, that build on their own faith and repentance, as if that bear the burden of sin from us; 1 Pet. 2.24. Who his (own self) bear (our) sins (in) his (own) body on the Tree; here 'tis plain as words can make it; certainly thou must renounce thy reason to deny so many plain syllables, this the Prophet David prayed for, and dost thou think the Spirit of God doth things in vain, in the 2 Sam. 24.10. O Lord take away the iniquity of thy Servant, so Job 7.21. And why dost not thou take away my iniquity: Dost thou think sin and the burden of it can be taken away, and not be born on no back, shoulders, or arms, how then should it be taken away: and if it must be taken and born away, dost thou think the Holy God the infinite; first, being absolutely considered in his own essence and nature, in an abstractive sense, disunited to the Humane nature, dost thou think the Godhead purely considered, will come under sin to bear it away; no, purity itself is to pure to look on sin, much less to touch sin as it were; no, no, poor deluded Creature, God in his simple essence and being cannot bear sin, but clothing himself with our nature, he can bear sin away: for which cause he is called the Lamb of God, that taketh away Sin, John 1.29. A Lamb is queit and dumb before the Shearer: which place will well serve to expound that place, Isa. 53.7. Which thou wilt not have understood of Christ, lest it should like the Flood in the Gospel sweep down thy whole Building together: here is comfort for believers, but they that do not believe this, are condemned already, John 3.18. By this time soul thou seest it plain, that Christ is a sacrifice for sin if it be not, would God I might speak with thee, but I proceed to what's next.  
Secondly, Why doth God Pass-over and acquit believers sins: why negatively, not for our sakes, nor any faith and repentance in us, for there is nothing naturally in us, that may be an argument to move him to pity us, unless this be one (that there is none) but he doth acquit sins first of all, to declare his mercy and good pleasure; It pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell, and 'tis his pleasure that of that fullness we all shall receive the grace of Pardon, we are not his people, because we please him, but because it pleaseth him to make us his people, 1 Sam. 12.22. God had decreed to call a people to himself, God saw his poor people fallen, and lost, and undone, and his bowels yearned over poor man, he see poor man in his Blood, as 'tis Ezek. 16.6. Then God pitied him, and made a Covenant with his Son, that he should break the Serpent's head, Gen. 3.15. When man had broke his Covenant, than it was that God in his love and his pity redeemed him; then he was pleased to make a New Covenant, and by his Mercy, Wisdom and Power, to consecrate a New and Living Way for the Salvation of poor Souls; even by a Covenant that he made with his Son, Heb. 10.20. What infinite Freegrace was here, that would save them that would not save themselves, and what doth this declare but his attribute of Mercy, the good pleasure of his own Heart; but I must use brevity, and proceed,  
Secondly, Believers shall be aquitted for the glory of freegrace, you'll say it may be this is all one, nay stay there too, I say 'tis to declare his great Name, or to get himself a great Name, this is that Joshua urgeth God with, to show himself, Josh. 7.9. And what wilt thou do unto thy great Name, so Jer. 14.7. Though our iniquities testify against us, yet do it for thy Name sake, 'tis a good plea for poor sinners, and so God saith, Ezek 36.22. Be it known to you I do it not for your sakes; No, for whose sake then, why, Vers. 21. For my Holy Names sake, God stands wonderfully upon the honour of his great Name, he will get him a name of praise; a name of Grace, and a name of Power, and a name of Wisdom, to declare his grace in the mysterious way, though these poor shallow empty pated men, would bear us in hand, that God doth forgive sins in an ordinary way, even as men forgive one another; but then wherein would God get himself a name of Wisdom, in the Salvation of Souls, that were only to get a name of Mercy and Power, etc. I dare say such silly empty Creatures as they would think they had wisdom enough to pardon faults in such a way; but herein will God get himself a name of wisdom, in saving souls in a very mysterious way, therefore Christ is called the Wisdom of God, Luke 11.49. and 1 Cor. 2.7. Alas in an ordinary way, poor shallow man could have found out a way to forgive men, I but herein doth God's name of wisdom appear in his Son, who is the wisdom of the Father, he will declare his name of wisdom by going beyond all men's wisdom, to acquit sins, that's another reason.  
Thirdly, He will acquit sinners, because 'tis the nature of his Covenant so to do, 'tis according to the tenor of God's Covenant, though some times he may afflict them with a Rod, for their Pride or Wantonness, etc. yet (saith he) my Covenant will I not break with them, nor alter the thing that's gone out of my Mouth, Psalm 89.34. Therefore Jeremiah pleads with God in prayer, Jer. 14.21. Break not thy Covenant with us; What's the Covenant? Gen. 17.7. To be a God to thee and thy Seed after thee, who are his Seed but believers, for he is the Father of the Faithful; Rom. 4.16. so in Jerem. 32.40. I'll make an everlasting Covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, but I'll put my fear in their hearts, that they shall never departed from me, poor souls, 'tis possible they may sometimes slip out of the way, and go astray, I! but they shall never departed from me so, but they shall again own me for their God; it may be I may frown on them sometimes for their iniquities, I! but my loving kindness will I not utterly take away from them, so in Ezek. 36. about the 18. Verse. God was furious with them, but yet in Ver. 28. he would be their God, and they should be his people, they are his people still, he will perform the Covenant made of old with them, Exod. 3.6. I am the God of Abram, Isaac, and Jacob; who were these? why, all of them believers, and thou art their brother that art a believer, and oh the goodness of God, that though we fail in performing our part of the Covenant, yet he never fails on his part; he is the same yesterday, to day, and for ever, Heb. 13.8. And the Covenants that he makes abide for ever, I'll make an everlasting Covenant with them, to thy Seed too; I, but how long doth this Covenant stand firm, for term of years? no, no, man, 'tis for ever, 'tis an everlasting Covenant, and established Covenant too, Jerem. 32.40. Gen. 17.7. To believers is it established; they are the Seed of Abra'm, though they were born of Abra'm after the flesh, yet they are not accounted Abra'ms Seed, or Children, if they be unbelievers and haters of Christ, so Christ tells them, john 8.39, 40. If you were Abraham's Children, you would do the works of Abraham; but now you seek to kill me, so did not Abraham: it is clear then that they are Abraham's children that are so by Faith or Imitation, so that you see 'tis the nature of the Covenant that sins should be acquitted, that they may be a people in Covenant with him, and he a God in Covenant with them, these things may be profitable to you, but I intent not narration, but perpensation, or a due search of our state, whether we are of that number for whom Christ died, and for whose sins he was sacrificed and slain.  
It may be some will say, I, Christ died we know, but what are the singular advantages to us of his death, and if we be of that number of his beloved ones; why, that might be brought in here, to encourage thee to try thyself, but I shall give it thee (God willing) in a word, of consolation in the close of my thoughts on the Text; but before I go any further, I cannot but break out into a use of admiration! and first then beloved, here's the Freegrace of God, in giving his Son a Sacrifice for those that believe, John 3.16. God (so) loved the World, how (so) why so as (one said) there is not such another so, with (so) great love that he gave his only begotten Son, and 'twas (so) freely too: without the least motive to take with his love, (so) loved the World as was unexpected by them, (so) and in such away too; that could never have been thought of, or contrived by all the wisdom of all the Heavenly Host, it was looked on as a demonstration of the love of Abraham, to give up his Son a sacrifice to God, and truly 'twas love indeed, I am afraid few in our days have such a love, to give up a Son that he loved, Gen. 22.2.12. I, but this was but to give up the worse to the better, the Creature to the Creator, but this was more: God gave his Son, the better for the worse, the Creator to die for the Creature, oh infinite immense love, that God should give his only Son, the Son of his delight, Behold my Servant in whom my Soul delighteth; and more than that, he delighted to give him to die, here is admirable Free-love too: and it pleased the Father, or the Father took delight or complacency in bruising his Son: Oh the free-love of God.  
Secondly, Let us here admire the love of the Son, that he should offer himself a Sacrifice for sinners, that he that was offended should die for offenders; yea, that we should have th' offended set offenders free, yet this he did for enemies, Rom. 5.10. It may be for a friend, or a good man some, one or other would dare to die, as in Ver. 7. But was it ever known that any died for an enemy; yea, that he should lay down his life himself, not by constraint but willingly, all the world could not take away his life from him, so he saith himself, in Matth. 26.53. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall give me more than twelve Legions of Angels; they would soon have delivered him, or himself could have delivered himself; no, but he doth it freely without compulsion or force, john 10.18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself: I have power to lay it down of myself, and power to take it up again. Where art thou now that sayest Christ is not God? was there ever any Creature that had power to lay down his life of himself? Paul in the strength of Christ, in God's strength, could do all things, and in that strength could be not only willing to be bound, but to die, but he had not power to lay down his life of himself; and if it should be thought that any had power to lay down his life, yet no man hath power to take up his life again when he had laid it down; nay more, is it warantable for man to give his life of himself, and no man take it away: I, but saith Christ, no man taketh it away; surely none that's a Creature hath this love of the Son; me thinks this should endear our hearts to Christ, and make us cry out in the vehemency of our affections, as David did of the Law of God, Ps. 119.97. Oh how love I thy Law, it is my meditation all the day. Oh how love I the Lord Jesus, when we want words, then oh how! oh how! love I the Lord: He is my Meditation all the day, yea, when I remember him on my Bed, in the night watches, Psalms 63.6. Then my Meditation of him shall be sweet, Psalm 104.34. And it would be sweet indeed, if we could thus apply him to ourselves, and say with David and Isaiah: Oh Lord, thou art my God, Psalm 140.6. Isa. 25.1. This word (my God) is a sweet word, as when Jesus said to Thomas, be not faithless but believing, John 20.27. Thomas answered, and said, (my) Lord and (my) God. So in the 13. Verse, when the two Angels in white asked Mary,  Mary; What is the matter Mary, why weepest thou? Why, saith she, because they have taken away my Lord; How should this comfort poor souls, and how should this endear souls to Christ, and make them willing to go through any difficulty, when they can say he is (my) Lord; the very thoughts of Christ did make the Spouses heart so rise within her, that her tongue could not be silent, but she would be setting out his excellency as she was able, and when she had not words, when her Rhetoric failed her to express herself, she cries out as one in an extacy, at such a raised rate, the is (altogether) lovely; and believer let me ask thee, (for others know it not,) is not Christ (altogether) lovely, in his love, and in his Freegrace, as I have said; and oh! that by the freeness of his love and grace, that any poor soul may be persuaded, that there is nothing on his part to be done in a way of merit; no, no believer, Christ hath purchased eternal Redemption for thee, Heb. 9.12. And therefore there is nothing for thee to do, but answer his love with thy love; and that cannot be better known then by living to his praise, and rejoicing in him, and singing his praises, as David saith, Psalm 81.1. Sing aloud, not only rejoice, but sing, and sing (aloud,) Make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob, that is to the God of believers; yea, Vers. 2. Take a Psalm and Sing: but may a poor foul say I know this work, (or rather joy) for Saints, but how shall I know whether I am of this number of believers, true I here of glorious things for the Saints, And glorious things are spoken of thee, oh! thou City of God; but this is that which mars all my joy, I do not know whether I am a believer? but what shall I do to know this, that shall be my work as fast as I can come to it; but before I give any Characters of the Saints of God, I would a little show some of the various ways that God takes in the bringing home of his choosed to himself, and it may be this may a little satisfy thee, and it may be thou mayst find out thy state by this, and truly we should try our state by any means: we must examine ourselves, Solomon saith, Prov. 27.23. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy Flocks. And should not we be diligent to know the state of our souls, and 'tis knowable, else why doth the Apostle say, Examine yourselves, whether you be in the Faith, 2 Cor. 13.5. And give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord, Lam. 3.40. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself, and not in another; If he find his work sound, if his work be the work of God, if he hath believed in this Lord Jesus Christ, that is sacrificed for us: then shall he have great rejoicing in himself (alone,) and not in another; if a man examine himself (alone) and find his state good, he shall have rejoicing (alone) what ever others think or speak it matters not much; if he find upon due measure and search that his work be right, he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another; in Gall 6.4. Now it were in vain to bid us try our state, if it were not to be known, and I hope none dare be so bold as to charge the Spirit of God with Vanity. But now a little to hint at the various ways that God uses as means, to bring back lost man to himself.  
First, He doth it by a strong hand from Heaven: thus he did to Paul with thunderings from Heaven, as you may read at large, Acts 9 Poor Paul was amazed, he was in a storm, there arose Euraclidon upon him; how is it with thee poor soul, didst thou ever find thyself tossed in the Tempestuous Waves of Divine frowns immediately darted out from the Almighty, wast thou ever smitten down as it were on thy face, wast thou ever sensible of Divine anger against thy sin, try as thou readest, but briefly.  
Secondly, Sometimes poverty and want is the means that God uses, so it was with the Prodigal, Luke 15.15. When he was so hungry, that he would have eat with the Swine, then 'tis said, He came to himself: though this is but a Parable, yet it teacheth us that it's God's way, by poverty to bring home his children to his house; try how 'tis with you, (I confess) I am afraid when some people are brought to great straits, than they will get into the fellowship of the Saints, that so they may be provided for, and indeed coming in, in such condition, their state is to be suspected, therefore look to it, for this is but too follow Christ for the Loaves, and is no less than hypocrisy: but if thou art sincere, and thou findest upon due search thou hast no such design 'tis well for thee, God brought thee low.  
Thirdly, God uses to show his people Visions, to bring them to their considerations, as with Cornellius, Acts 10. beginning, God did send him to a secondary means, he must hear Peter what he shall tell him, but the Vision that he saw, was the first step to his conversion: this was the Vision of an Angel, that he saw at the ninenth hour of the day. Have none of you met with the Angel of the Covenant at any time, that hath told you, you must go to Peter, to some faithful Minister, to inquire what you shall do, but this is not very frequent in our days.  
Fourthly, Sometimes God compasseth men round with outward troubles, distresses, and afflictions: he doth afflict them with enemies, to bring them home to himself; this way God took with Manasseth, who was as wicked a man as any you Read of; yet such is the power of God, that he hath his way to bring him home to himself; he hath the hearts of Kings in his own hands, which are for the most part the untamedst hearts in the World, yet he turns them as the Rivers of Water, which way he pleaseth, Prov. 21.1. As he did this King, 2 Chron. 33.12. When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly, note, here God brought him down, before he would humble himself, and he prayed to the Lord, and 'tis said he was entreated of him, how is it with you Sirs, try I pray you.  
Fifthly, Sometimes God brings them to read the Scriptures, and there he sets in and takes hold of their hearts; thus it was with that Eunuck of Ethiopia, a man of great authority under Candace, Queen of Ethtopia, who 'tis said had the charge of all her Treasure; note here by the way, that God calleth some great men, rich men, though Christ tells us, 'tis hard for rich men to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 19.23. Yet he doth not say 'tis impossible; for the next words almost saith, With God all things are possible, and though the Apostle saith, Not many Mighty, nor many Noble are called, 1 Cor. 1.26. Yet he doth not say, not (any) for this Centurion, and this Eunuck that I speak of even now, were called, And among the Chief Rulers many believed on him, John 12.42. But to return, pray you excuse a little my extravagancy, I say by reading the Word, this great Man was in God's way, and God sendeth Philip to second his endeavours, to open the Scripture to him, and so he Believed and was Baptised, as you may see in Acts 8. from the Vers. 27. to the end, this may be witnessed by History: that of Austin, and others; but I forbear, have any of you, to whom these lines may come, found a word by reading, take hold on your hearts with power, let experience speak, I must not enlarge necessity lieth upon me.  
Sixthly, Sometimes souls are called by the Preaching of the Gospel; and indeed this is God's most ordinary way, For Faith cometh by hearing, Rom. 10.17. And God hath ordinarily two voices in Preaching or speaking to sinners, to bring them in.  
First, By the voice that show them their sins and strikes thee down, or if you please by a terrible voice, the voice of his terror doth sometimes sound, as that word: The same Jesus whom you have Crucified, he is made both Lord and Christ, Acts 2.36. 'Tis as dreadful a word as could have been spoken, for it smote them to the very heart, and made them cry out: What shall we do, this voice made them a terror to themselves, this very voice did then shake their Earthly hearts, it shaked them so, that they were never settled again, until 3000. of them were set down safe in Christ, but than  
Secondly, God speak sometimes by a sweet still voice, after the fire of Christ love is stirred up to them, there comes a small still voice, than the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land, a sweet mild voice; by this voice Lydia's heart was opened. Ah! when souls have the love of Christ spoken to their hearts, than the very love of Christ constraineth them, some one way and some other ways are brought over to Christ, by Preaching; yea, by hearing the word Preached, there were 3000. souls, Acts 2. and Acts 4. 5000. souls brought to Christ, these were glorious Sermons, that were the means to convert so many souls: and Acts 15.7. saith Peter, God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my Mouth should hear the Gospel, and believe. So Eph. 3.8. Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints, is this grace given, that I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, to make men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery: Making men see, is the very first work upon a soul from God, now by the Word Preached, men's eyes are opened, therefore Psa. 19.8. The Commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes, and Christ first opens the eyes of the Blind, and men are turned from darkness to light, I cannot stand to quote you the Texts for all this, but you that are wise are acquainted with it; and indeed on the contrary, they that are lost, The God of this World hath blinded their eyes, And if the Gospel be hid, 'tis hid to them that be lost: They that are not called, have their understanding darkened through the ignorance that is in them, Eph. 4.18. What say you, have your eyes been opened? have you by the Word been made to see these things? and is there a constraint laid upon you, to walk in the Laws of Jesus? 'tis the general consent of all I think, that Faith comes by hearing and preaching plainly, not with the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power, 1 Cor. 2.4. But if all these voices and ways do not bring over souls, for God doth call and knock once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not, he knocks by word, by mercy, by affliction, yet he hath another way, and that is  
Seventhly, By a dream in a Vision of the Night when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings on the bed, what then, than he openeth the ear, and sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hid Pride from man, thus he keepeth back the soul from the Pit, Job 33.15. I am not altogether ignorant, what some might say of this Text, but certain I am, God hath his ways hidden to men oft times; and I have been told by some serious souls, that I hope are precious in the Lord's sight, in some dark Country, what the Lord hath wrought, even in this way, therefore fear not; oh soul! thou art safe from the Pit, that art called even this way, thus now I have hinted a little at the ways that God doth take to call home his Election. I'll now a little show you how God doth in his ordinary way begin and go on step, by step, in his most ordinary way; and if it be a little disorderly, as to place, pray you put that to my charge, or bear if you can with me in so doing, I'll put things together:  
First, God doth awaken men and open their eyes, and therefore they are put together by the Apostle: Awake thou that sleepest, and immediately it follows, and Christ shall give the Light, Eph. 5.14. And as I said before, Preaching is to make men see, Eph. 3.9. So when Christ came, the first thing we read he did, was that the Blind received their sight, Matth. 11. And so when Christ begun to Preach, Luke 4.18. What is the first work, to recover sight to the blind, therefore it was Prophesied of him, that he should be a light to the Gentiles, Isa. 42.6. to light them that they may see what a condition they are in.  
Secondly, When God brings them to see their condition, than he brings them next to a willingness, to be out of that dangerous state in which they are: when he sees himself a lost fallen son of Adam, in a state of wrath; nay more, when he sees what he hath done against Christ, that 'tis he that hath taken Christ, and by wicked hands hath Crucified and slain him, than he wrings the hands, and is ready to tear the hair, then is there no way of escape: And this will in the  
Third Place put him a doing, then with the pricked Jews and the Jailor, Acts 2.37. Acts 16.30. What shall I do to be saved? Is there any hope for me? then the sold would fain be doing somewhat to pacify God's wrath; Oh! then, will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Lambs, or with ten thousands of Rivers of Oil: then shall I give the fruit of my body, for the sin of my Soul, as in Mic. 6.7. Then duty, prayer and fasting, and any thing, if that will stop God's mouth (be it with reverence spoken) then do any thing, run any way; prithee soul take heed now, for now thou art in danger of miscarrying: I am very much afraid, here many a soul hath run a ground and split, when they have been smitten, and could not for want of skill, know where to rest; they have fallen in with that poor deluded people to rest on their own repentance and their fastings, etc. Lord pity such poor souls: I have had credible information of some that have thus been wrought upon and carried away; Oh Sirs, here is your greatest danger: Oh! now for a skilful Pilot to direct you, or else you sink and are undone, they lean to their own weak understanding, and not to Christ; and others there are when convinced, do divert the conviction, by seeking after satisfaction some other way: as Cain looked not after a Saviour, but went to Building a City, and so wore off the impression that was made on him, his heart was taken up with some inferior good, like him David speaks of, Psalm 52.7. That made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, Instead of making the name of the Lord his strong Tower (which is Christ) Prov. 18.10. He made his riches his refuge or City, therefore take heed now soul, and look about thee for a right remedy. That brings me to the next step.  
Fourthly, God brings a poor soul to see a remedy, he than gives them a sight of his Son, by presenting him to their eye, they see before 'tis true at first, but that was their dreadful state, but that was but a glimmering sight or light to this, that sight so exceedingly terrified them, that they feared and quaked, and made them shriek out: Oh, what shall we do; That sight did not show them as remedy; 'tis the sight of the remedy, and an apprehension of the possibility of attaining that remedy; that doth give a little hopes to a poor soul, when the soul seethe there is Balm in Gilliad, and that there is a Physician there, this makes the poor soul look and long a little: and looking and viewing Christ, the soul will then loathe itself the more, when it seethe itself so much unlike Christ? before it may be the soul heard of Christ by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye seethe thee, wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes; when the soul sees Christ in his doing and suffering, and that so freely, from no other spring then his own love! veryly, than the poor soul thinks the worse of its self, and says, I am not worthy; 'tis true I am a little Stung by this fiery Serpent, sin; but how shall such a defiled eye as my eye is, look upon such a glorious, bright and splended object as yonder brazen Serpent is, Numb. 21.9. That stands upon the pole, where Purity itself doth hold it up. But then a step more:  
Fifthly, When Christ is presented and held out to a poor soul, then when the soul gins to see it's own unworthiness, than it will be much fearing that it shall not be accepted, will he (think you) entertain me; then Christ shows not only his beauty, but his willingness too, to embrace thee, and saith, do you think I am unwilling? Alas, that is the great complaint I have to make of you— You will not come to me, that you may have life, John 5.40. Alas man, there is no want of will in me, but in thyself, I have done all that I can to make thee willing, which is a clear proof of my willingness; I have showed thee that there is a necessity of coming to me, he that's stung cannot be healed, unless he look unto me, I have showed thee that there is no cure any where else, no acceptance, no duty pleasing to God, unless you come to me; no, no, man thou canst do nothing without me, John 15.5. And that there is neither name nor thing under Heaven by which you can be saved but by me, Acts 4.12. If I had told you there had been any cure by your own Faith, or your own Repentance, or any thing else, then indeed you might have said I was not willing, because I told you, you might seek remedy else where; but I tell you I am very willing, yea, and I do wait for your acceptance of the love that I have declared to you. Oh, that you would not be unkind to me, nor so cruel to yourselves, as to keep me out of your hearts any longer; I profess I am not willing of your ruin, but rather that you would be healed, I have life for dead souls, I have light for dark souls, I have strength for weak souls, I have holiness for pulluted souls, I have ease for pained souls, I have health, saving health for sick souls, I have bread for the hungry, and drink for the thirsty, clothing for the naked, I have Salvation for lost souls: nay, what have I not that good is, and this I have revealed and declared: I have brought life, yea, and (eternal life) immortality to light through the Gospel, and yet notwithstanding all that I have showed to manifest their necessity; and my own willingness; yet I am forced after all to complain that there is none, (or hardly any) that stirreth up himself to take hold on me, me and my light, me and my life, me and my righteousness, though they see all their own righteousness to be as filthy Dunghill rags, yet they will not stir up themselves to take hold on me with my all, Isa. 64, 7. Come poor trembling sinner, come take hold of my strength, come thou that sin is ready to burn up thy spirit, I have water that shall allay that heat, come buy of me Wine to pour into thy wounds, come man without money of thy own righteousness, or thy own merit; come without thine own worthiness, and when a poor soul is brought to see this indeed, why then in the next place:  
Sixthly, The Soul even leans on its Beloved, than Lord I am thine, and will be thine, than it runs, hastens to this strong Tower wherein it shall be safe, Prov. 18.10. Now the soul is lodged safely in the bosom of it's beloved; Oh soul, who ever thou be that standest trembling and art afraid, thou art not worthy, I tell thee, he vows not thy worth, but thy willingness to accept his worth, therefore prithee give thy consent this day, this present hour before thou stir one foot out of the place, never talk of ask counsel of friends, nor biding them farewell that; are at home, as he in the Gospel; (now) saith God, I never told thee another time, nor too morrow, But now is the time, the accepted time, 2 Cor. 6.2. And too day if thou wilt hear my voice, Heb. 3.7. Oh now, say as his children that had back sliden from him, when he bid them return, Jer. 3.22. Behold we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God; If it hath not been done before, let this be the Marriage-day: let the knot be knit this day, do not put him off tell to morrow; he may leave thee to morrow to the hardness of thy heart, and thou mayst die in thy sins and be damned.  
It may be, some poor soul may now say: but I have not observed this all along in my soul, therefore I doubt 'tis not well with me? it may be so soul, yet there may be some that have, and some can remember, the manner how, the place where, the time when, God did call them to himself, and yet notwithstanding thou hast not taken such special notice of God's way, yet Christ may be as truly thine as his. I! this would rejoice my heart, indeed (wouldst thou say if I knew it,) but how shall I know it: truly this leads me to the thing, I promised you to try myself, and you according to the measure and rule of the Law of liberty; and here I would persuade thee, to fall to the work of examination, and bring thyself to the Touchstone of the Word; and if I speak not according to the rule, say that's mine, but if it be according to the Word, take heed thou reject it not, for by that Word thou must, and I must stand or fall; I, and presently too, do not put it off. If thou wouldst have present comfort to thy soul, or if thou would know thy danger; to it presently: Oh, I am afraid they that are so loath to come to the Sanctuary weights and measure, will at last when they are broughtt to it, be found with that (motto) on their foreheads, as is left on Record, touching the trial of Beltshazar that wicked man, Dan. 5.27. (Tekel) thou art weighed in the Balances, and art found wanting. Prithee Soul, come to the Sanctuary-scale betimes, that if thou should be found to light, thou might have time to get weight, before the Market time be over and done; and here in this trial I shall not confine myself to that one (only) distinguishing Character, that I find some Learned faithful men in the Church of Christ, do give out as the only distinguishing Character for souls to Judge their state by, and that is whether God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, or else some inferior thing, (be it what it will or can be) be a man's or souls chief good, and the only object of his delight and happiness. In plain English, whether or no upon due search (as we say in cold blood,) that is when a man (on the one hand) is not lifted up in any way from the Earth, from the consideration of trouble that sometimes are met withal among terrene things: nor on the other hand, when a man lies pressed hard with some violent temptation, that he seems to take little delight in God: as Job, Jeremiah, and David, when God's hand pressed them fore, these are not times for a man to pass a right Judgement of his state, and he that thus and then judges himself, judges only according to appearance, and not a righteous Judgement, John 7.24. And the Scripture doth plainly lay down a rule thus to judge a man's state by: namely, whether or no a man love God so as to leave all (not by constraint, but) willingly out of the love to God, and so is a clear and distinct Character of a man's state, what it is as may be easily cleared from, Matt. 10.37. Luke 14.26. And though it be of absolute necessity that we know this, else we can never have any solid and true joy in our hearts, or else as the Apostle saith to the Gallations: we shall never rejoice in ourselves alone, yet I am persuaded that not one of many is able thus to judge of his state, though as I said even now, it is that that is our chief concernment as we value a well grounded peace. But with subordination to this great and grand Characters, I hope to hold out from the Word of Truth, many simptomes of a Heaven born soul, or of a soul for whom Christ is Sacrificed, as the Phrase in the Text is:  
First, 'Tis a good sign Christ is thine, if thou hast heard the voice of Christ, My Sheep, saith Christ, hear my voice, he doth not say the Goats, or the Flocks of the World, or the Devil hear his voice, but my Sheep hear my voice; thou wilt say this was hinted at before, when it was said that one of the first things that Christ doth is to open blind eyes, and to unstop deaf ears, but I am not speaking of that now, but of hearing Christ voice, so as to know it from a stranger, for so saith Christ, a stranger they will not follow, John 10.5. Now if thou hast that skill to know thy Lord's voice 'tis a good sign, thou hast had some intimacy with him, I mean so know it as not to be deceived by a counterfeit voice, but I'll be brief.  
Secondly, Hast thou been made willing to follow Christ; They that follow me in the regeneration, ye shall sit upon Thrones, Judging the Tribes of Israel. Try whether you are willing to follow Christ in duty, in ordinances, in afflictions: If any man take not up his Cross and follow me, he cannot be my Disciple; Why so, because none is a Disciple, but such as follow Christ, Luke 14.27. Matth. 10.38. He that taketh not his Cross, that is, take it willingly, readily, for he doth not say take it when 'tis not laid on him, for Luke saith bear the Cross in that prequoted Text, which doth intimate that he must have it put upon him; try now man as thou goest, art thou willing to suffer shame for his Name, art thou willing to follow Christ, not only to his exaltation, but to his persecution, not to the Crown, but to the Cross, 'tis a sign thou art a Virgin, then if thou art willing to follow Christ wheresoever he goes, Rev. 4.14. Into a Prison as well as a Palace. I put in this here, because it follows the hearing of Christ's voice, My Sheep hear my voice, and they follow me. If I do set down things disorderly, not arising higher step by step, (for indeed when a Christian can follow Christ, he is come to a good degree,) excuse me in this for two reasons:  
First, In that my time is but borrowed, or redeemed, if thou knewest how hardly, thou wouldst not say I offered thee that which cost me nought.  
Secondly, Because I would now rather find out consolation, then windy ostentation, which is but to savour after the flesh, I can but hint at things, pray you enlarge them in your own Meditations.  
Thirdly Hast thou a Holy fear of God upon thee, David cries out Psal. 34.10. Oh, fear the Lord all ye his Saints, intimating, that none but Saints know how to fear him, he doth not say be afraid, but fear him; there are two sorts of fear:  
1. There is a slavish fear, arising from the apprehension of wrath, of punishment, such a fear as arises from guilt, thus it was with Adam, when he had sinned, Gen. 3.10. I heard thy voice in the Garden, and I was afraid, he did not fear the Lord before he offended him, but he was afraid of his wrath, when he had offended, by the way take notice sinner: (if thou shouldst cast thy eyes on this,) thou that darest sin boldly without fear, thou wilt afterward be afraid, yea, and tremble at the sight of wrath.  
2. There is a filial and childlike fear, or if you please a conjugal fear, and this arises from the goodness of God: They shall fear the Lord and his goodness, in the latter days, Hos. 3.5. From the consideration of forgiveness, God should be feared, There is forgiveness with thee that thou mayst be feared, Psalm 130.4. 'Tis a fear of the right stamp: to fear him as one would fear to displeases one's only friend that one loved; as it is with those that are in Love, they will rather run the hazard of any thing then displease them; if their love be true, oh, this is the fear that God calls for, and gives a blessing to: Blessed is the Man that thus feareth the Lord, Psal. 112.1. Therefore pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, 1 Pet. 1.17. Why must it be in fear, why it follows, Forasmuch (or because) ye (know) you were not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious Blood of Christ. Oh Sirs, ye are they that know you were redeemed, Pass you the time of your sojourning here in fear; 'Tis true, a fear of the loss of Heaven should quicken us to diligence, as Heb. 4.1. Let us fear lest a promise being left us, any of us should fall short of it, I! but the fear off ending God is the truest Gospel fear, and is surely the product of the Spirit of God, and so is a good sign in them that have it, that they are them for whom Christ is Sacrificed.  
Fourthly, Hast thou received Christ, is he come in, it may be thou dost not remember the opening of thy heart to him so punctually as some may do, but doth thy soul find that all his enemies are made to stoop and give way before him; when Lydia's heart was opened, how sweetly did she embrace Christ (in his Apostles) and constrain him to come in, all other her lodgers were made to give place I'll warrant you; canst thou say Christ (in) me the hope of glory, if thou canst 'tis well; time was he was without and stood and called, as Cant. 5.2. Open to me my Sister, my Love, my Dove, my head is filled with Dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. By the way let us look back on the patience of Christ, it may be it may raise our hearts a little, he is not like furious man, that will be gone if they will not hear at the first or second knock, he will in a spleen be gone, but Christ waits tell his head is wet with the Dew, etc. methinks this should make us willing to wait on him, it may be he doth not presently answer all our requests; It may be with Paul, thou and I have some thorn in the Flesh, that we have sought God for the taking of it away, and we begin to be impatient, and to say we have waited, and prayed, and looked long and yet 'tis not taken away, we looked for peace, and behold no good, we looked for healing, and behold trouble, and we begin to fret and say as Jehoram King of Israel, did when trouble began to arise, and the Famine increase, 2 Kings 6.33. Behold this evil is of the Lord, what should we wait for the Lord any longer. Ah poor soul whoever thou art I pity thee, that hast been at any time in this sad temper, but stay thyself soul with this, that Christ waited tell his head was wet with the Dew, etc. And to what end did he, and doth he wait, but to be gracious, so he saith, Is. 30 18 And therefore doth the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you. Note, the force of that word (therefore) for that very end that he may be gracious? Oh! how long hath he waited for you, it may for some ten, twenty, thirty, forty years, and yet he saith he will wait, Therefore will the Lord wait, not only hath, but will wait; Oh, why then should not we wait then for him.  
I! but dost thou find after all this waiting that Jesus Christ is come in, thou wilt say it may be I would have Christ for my Saviour.  
First, Hast thou received him for thy Priest, the Priest's under the Law, were changed by reason of mortality, but this man because he continueth for ever, hath an unchangeable Priesthood; but art thou able to say, thou art willing to cast thyself on him to bear away thy iniquities, I tell thee he is able to bear them, there is help laid on one that is mighty, and he is able to save to the utmost all that come to God by him, Heb. 7.25. And he is not one that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was tempted as we are, that he might the better secure them that are tempted, and because of this Priesthood, We may come boldly to the Throne of Grace, Heb. 4.15. Heb. 2.8. Alas we durst not have looked God in the Face, had not Christ been our Priest, and undertaken this, but now we may come boldly and plead Christ with him; Oh, who shall condemn, 'tis Christ that died, Rom. 8.34. Yea, when he let Angels go, those noble Creatures, yet he condescended to take on him the Seed of Abra'm, he would be a Priest for poor lost man, Heb. 2.16. Yea, he by this bare our iniquities into the Wilderness of forgetfulness, Leu. 16.21. And truly we had need of one to bear away not only the iniquity of our transgression, but to bear the iniquities of our services, he is the Antitipe of Aaron the Priest, to bear away the iniquity of our Holy things, Exod. 28.38. When poor Believers are troubled with vain thoughts, and their Spirits are wand'ring in Prayer, or Hearing, or Meditation, or Reading; These Worm eaten services, the worms of evil thoughts will be creeping in, and eating out the heart of our prayers, yet Christ will bear away the iniquity of these Holy things, yea, when not only vain, but wicked thoughts come in: as in Prov. 5.14. I was almost in all evil in the midst of the Congregation; Yea, thy very secret sins, which made David cry out: Cleanse me from my secret sins, Psal. 19.12. Yet he is a Priest to bear away all sorts of sins, The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sins. Now Soul try thyself, art thou willing to have Christ for thy Priest? do not deceive thyself, 'tis not so easy to take Christ for thy Priest, 'tis no small matter to come of from thyself.  
Secondly, Hast thou received Christ for thy Prophet to teach thee; All God's Children shall be taught of the Lord, Isa. 54.13. And a Prophet shall the Lord thy God raise up unto thee, of thy brethren, him shall ye hear in all things, Acts 3.22. And this was of old Prophesied by Jacob, Gen. 49.13. The Sceptre shall not departed from Judah, nor a Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come: and to him shall the gathering of the people be: (this Shiloh was Christ,) and this gathering of the people to hear him, begun to be fulfilled, Luke 19.48. For all the people were very attentive to hear him: or as some margins have it, they hanged on him; Now art thou willing to hear him, and to hang on his lip, to be taught by him, and none other, and to hear no other Doctrine then what he Teaches; dost thou indeed take him for thy Prophet, and with the Apostle, Gal. 1.9. Dost account him accursed that brings any other news of Salvation; This is a second way we should receive Christ. But I proceed to the next:  
Thirdly, Dost thou receive Christ for thy King, to Rule and give thee Laws as well as teach thee, Isa. 33.22. The Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, not only King to save us, but our Lawgiver to rule us: He is our King and he will save us, we must not think to be Kings ourselves: Alas, what can we do, but he will save us, save us from sins, Matth. 1.21. And he will save us from our enemies too; the people of Israel did not save themselves by their own arm, but by the Lord's arm, and by the Lords right hand, Psal. 44.3. so in Hos. 1.7. I will have mercy on the House of Israel, and will save them, (How) by themselves, by their own arm, not so, the Text tells you by the Lord their God, and 'tis Christ that is that horn of Salvation, in Luke 1.69, 71. That will save us from our enemies, and from the hand of them that hate us, and it is he, in Isa. 63.1. That is Mighty to save, and as he will rule in the Salvation of his people, so he will rule secondly in the destruction of his enemies, Jam. 4.12. As he is able to save, so likewise to destroy: He shall Rule his enemies with a Rod of Iron, Psal. 2.9. Psal. 110.2. God will send the Rod of his strength out of Zion, and he shall rule in the midst of his enemies, and Verse. 6. He shall wound the heads of many Countries; Though the proud ones of the World say, this man shall not Reign over us, yet he will bring them into subjection, whether they will or no; have but a little patience believer, and it will come to pass; but besides this Christ will be King in thy Soul, to tread down Sin and Satan, and art thou willing to have Christ King in thee to this end, art thou willing he shall tread on the neck of every lust and corruption; then dost thou receive him as King aright; art thou willing he shall bring into captivity, every thought to the obedience of himself, 2 Cor. 10.5. Dost thou receive him to give Laws too: and art thou willing to follow the Laws of none other Lord; alas, when he hath given thee Laws, there is no other Law for any other to make after him; an excellent place to this purpose, is that in Eccl. 2.12. For what can the man do that comes after the King; he saith before: I turned myself to behold Wisdom, Madness, and Folly, what was that, why in the latter end of the Verse, even that which is already done; I turned myself to behold Wisdom; Wisdom in the King to act Laws for his people, and when I saw the wisdom of that King; I thought it was both madness and folly to think to act with more wisdom, for what can the man do that comes after the King, it is an interogation implying anogation, what can the man do that comes after the King? truly nothing who hath either wisdom or power to act after the King: if it should be of the Laws of the Church; why that's already done: now soul, hast thou received Christ to be thy Priest, Prophet, and King: thy Priest to offer for thee, thy Prophet to Teach thee, and thy King to give Laws too, and Rule over thee, and to deliver thee from thine enemies Spiritual and Temporal, yea, from Wrath to come; why if so, thou hast some ground to hope Jesus was Sacrificed for thee.  
Fifthly, Hast thou Faith, precious Faith as Peter calls it, 2 Pet. 1.1. 'Tis a good sign thou belongest to the Lord, for that's it I drive at in the main, to give thee a little hope that thou art precious in the sight of God, and art within the compass of electing love, or one for whom Christ died, faith now is a precious grace: and it may be precious upon a double account:  
1. In respect of the giver.  
2. In respect of the Virtue of the Grace itself.  
Oh, what a precious God is the Giver of this gift; he gives perfect gifts, and what a precious grace is this when given by God; 'tis of an inestimable value, 'tis that, that doth make the Saints rich, (rich in Faith) Abraham's faith was counted to him for righteousness, Rom. 4.5. And he that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting Life, John 3. last: Not he may have it, but he hath it already, 'tis made sure to him, this faith is of a large extent, and will do mighty things: it will remove Mountains of sin and corruptions into the Sea of forgetfulness, Yea, what ever we ask in Faith, it shall be given us, Mark 11.24. And as Faith is the greatest and powerfullest grace, so unbelief is the greatest sin, Christ saith he will send the Spirit to reprove the World of sin, and what is that sin you may be in? John 16.9. Of sin because they believe not on me, so they could not enter in, because of unbelief, Heb. 3.19. And without Faith 'tis impossible to please God, Heb. 11.6. So that you see unbelief is our greatest evil, but in a few words Faith will help us do these things:  
1. It will help us to give up ourselves to God, for to follow him, this was that which made Abraham go up out of his own Country, Gen. 12.4. Though he knew not whether he went, as 'tis repeated, Heb. 11.8. Faith will do more than we can express; it will carry a soul forth, above fear and above reproach, above good and bad report, through Fire and Water, how did it elevate the Spirits of those Champions for Christ in that little Book of Martyrs, Heb. 11.  
2. Faith will enable us to receive Christ and good things from him that Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith, (how) by Faith, Eph. 3.17. And good things from him too: it was by faith that Sara'h had strength to conceive Seed, and to bring forth a Child, and by Faith Elizabeth and Mary bore the two greatest that ever were on Earth, Heb. 11.11. and the first of Luke: many more of this kind might be urged, but I hasten; Ah soul, to thee that believest all things are possible, therefore if thou findest this Spirit of Faith in thee, 'tis a good sign Christ is Sacrificed for thee.  
Sixthly, It is a good sign thy sins are aquitted, if Christ be of an inestimable value to thee, he that had found this Pearl of Price, sold all that he had to buy it. Matth. 14.46. There are many precious in the World, many precious Friends and Relations, yea, more than these there is, that good name (so much gazed after among men,) That is more precious than fine Gold, and all other precious things, Prov. 22.1. Eccl. 7.1. Yet all these and all he hath, doth he not value at the rate that he value's the Pearl of Price: Oh unto you that believe, to you that Christ hath been Sacrificed for, Christ is very precious; Ah soul, is Christ more precious to thee then all things, hath he the highest room in thy heart, higher than thy Teacher! I speak to thee that dost as 'twere deify thy Minister.  
And thou Minister, if it should fall into thy hand to peruse this: hath Christ a room in thy heart higher than they that sit in the highest seat in the Meeting: I speak to you that are partial and have such respect to persons, you that the great ones do so seat themselves about in their attendancises on the Word, I tell you a man may love Christ more than sinners, and yet not love him more than Saints, especially them that bring you in your greatest revenues, you'll say, is there any such as these? If you should, I would answer you by another question: what meaneth your bearing with great ones, great faults when you'll rebuke the poor of the Flock sharply for a smaller faults, but you will (it may be) say I am out of my way, well to return, how dost thou prise Jesus Christ above all things, then 'tis a good sign Christ is thine, and thou art his; try as thou goest along, for this is indeed the only distinguishing Character of a Believer; Enlarge it in thy Meditation.  
Seventhly, They that have Christ slain for them, will not do as the multitude do, neither as the multitude of oppressors, nor as the very multitude of professors do, Exod. 23.2. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil, alas there be many, very many too; too many professors go on in an evil way, in the neglect of many duties, and in many evil ways and unwarrantable paths, and have no Scripture light to guide them; they take up things on trusts, it may be because such and such do so, but the true Believer will not do so, He knows many be called but few chosen, Matth. 20.16. And narrow is the Way, and strait is the Gate, Luke 7.13. Poor soul, thou seest the great numbers of the World running after their lusts, and taking their swing in ungodly ways, in excessive eating and drinking, and rioting, I! and the professing world too, they are posting on as fast, (though in a more pleausible way,) in their pride, and ambition, and haughtiness, in their conformity to the foolish fashions of this World, which vanish away; Oh, how many in England that (are glorious professors) are Non-conformists to the World's worship, that yet at the same time are real Conformists to an Harlot's attire, and other professors are posting as fast after the world as if indeed it were their only happiness, and all this because there are so many do so, and yet counted Saints, but now if thou art one that dost not delight in the way of the multitude, 'tis a good sign God hath set thee apart for himself.  
Eighthly, He that Christ hath died for, will be good in bad times and bad places: so it was with Noah in the old World, so with Lot in Sodom, and Joseph in Egypt; I need not quote these places they are so well known: thus it was with Nehemial, with those Sabbath-breakers, and with Job in the Land of Us: and so with David, Psal. 120.5. Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, and dwell in the Tents of Kedar; so in Revel. 2.13. 'Tis spoken of the Church of Pergamus, I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's Seat is, this was a bad place, and yet there thou holdest fast my Name, and hast not denied my Faith Note here, Satan's Seat was the place where the Devils Servants did Tyrannize over the Saints, and yet in that wicked place they held fast the Faith, these were some of those Virgins that are spoken of in the Rev. 14.4. That were not defiled with Women, Virgins, what were they? them that were never Married, were they them that vowed Chastity? no that's not the meaning of it, but they were clean from being defiled with false Worship, they did not meddle with Idols and false Worship, and this is called in the Rev. 14.2. Fornication; he speaks there of Fornication by Idolatry, and they were not defiled with this Womanish worship, which is else where called no less than Whoredom, Hos. 2.2. Let her put away her Whoredom out of her sight, what did she commit Whoredom with Men? no, Ezek 6.9. will clear it, With their eyes they went a Whoring after their Idols, now these were they that were not defiled with Idols, and therefore are called Virgins; Oh, who would defile one's self with such filth, but if thou keep thy garments pure in such a day, 'tis a good sign Christ hath clansed thee.  
Ninethly, 'Tis a sign thou art a servant of Christ, when he calls thee to his work, and thou dost not stand parlying with him, whether it may be for thy advantage or no: when Christ calls men to his work, they oft times consult whether it be for their advantage, or for their profit, or their honour, or their safety; and they stand parlying with Christ, under pretence of prudence, and for their security; but now his servants will go readily about his work, they will not stand parlying whether they shall or shall not go about his work; this is no vain notion of my own brain, I'll give thee Scripture for it: Look in the Gal. 1.15. Vers. 16. When it pleased God to call Paul by his Grace, and to reveal his Son in him, to preach among the Heathen, what then, did he plead and say will it be for my safety, will it not be prudence to forbear a while to see the event of things, no saith Paul: But immediately I conferred not with Flesh and Blood, I did not stand but went into Arabia, etc. Now soul, canst thou say thou goest to Christ's work without parlying, 'tis a good sign Christ hath called there.  
Tenthly, 'Tis a sign thou art one that Christ is Sacrificed for, if thou delightests in the will of God, saith David, Thy Law is written in my heart, how doth that appear, why I delight to do thy will, one that delights to do the will of God, 'tis a good sign God's Law is written in his heart, now the will of God is made know in his Law, and therefore he that delight in the Law of God, doth delight in his Will, And blessed are they that delight in his Law, Psal. 1.2. And that delighteth in his Commandments; No less I am sure then fourteen times in the Psalm 119. doth David express his delight in the Law, Statutes, and Testimonies of God, as you may see with a cast with your eye in 14.16, 24, 32, 35, 47, 54, 70, 77, 92, 111, 143, 162, 174. Verses, besides the many places more in the Psalms, ah soul dost thou delight, and delight greatly in the Law of God. But I would not be too tedious.  
Eleventhly, 'Tis a sign thou art Gods, if thou dost what thou dost for God willingly, Psalm 110.3. Thy people shall be a willing people in the day of thy power, when the power of the Lord takes hold on thy heart, thou wilt be willing to serve him, and in 1 Chron. 29 9 A willing mind and a perfect heart are put together: and if there be first a willing mind, than thou art able to do but little for God, yet 'tis accepted, 2 Cor. 8 12. These things might be much spread or expatiated, but time is very precious with me.  
Twelfthly, 'Tis a good sign thou art a child of God, if thou dost desire to enjoy the ordinances of God, as thou wast wont to do, such an expression David hath some where, so in Psal. 27.4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, what's that, That I may dwell in the House of the Lord: That is in the assembly of the Saints, and so in Psal. 26.8. Lord I have loved the habitation of thy House, and the place where thine honour dwelleth; He had experience what God was used to communicate there; why David, could you not rather love the place where all your Courtiers and Nobles, and where are all the Royal retinue? Oh no, I have loved the place where thine honour dwelleth: This was that which made the Apostle Paul exhort them in Heb. 10.25. Not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, there be some do forsake the assembling of themselves together; I, but saith Paul, do not you do so, why, he knew that there Christ was used to display his Banner of Love over them, in thy presence is fullness of joy, Psal. 16. ult. I, a little kind of Heaven there, to them that know it, these know somewhat of the worth, of Spiritual Bread and Food for souls, that makes them rather desire the Bread of affliction, and the Water of adversity, then that their Teachers should be removed into corners, Isa. 30.20. They know 'tis sad when there is no Vision in the Land, 1 Sam. 3.1. And indeed it must needs be sad, for there the people perish, Prov. 29.18, so in Amos 8.11. When the Famine of the word of the Lord shall come, they shall wander from Sea to Sea too and fro, from Country to the City, as they do in a small measure at this day, to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it, and in Vers. 13. In that day shall the fair Virgins and young Men faint for thirst; Ah, how many are there that are but new born Babes and Virgins, and young Men in Christ, how do their souls hunger and thirst, and seek after some to break the Bread of Life to them, and can find none, their souls are ready to perish, and they long to go into the Lord's House, into the assembly of his people; Oh, how do they sigh, and sob, and groan; and Lord in thy bowels hear their cry, and groan, and come down and deliver them, and send them Bread, without cockle of men's inventions, and mildew of Sophisticated and corrupt Doctrine: but if thou art one that desirest the ordinances of God and to he in the assembly of his people, 'tis a sign thou art a child of God, prithee soul bring thyself to a trial, 'tis very sad if thou canst find no looks, nor long after any thing of God.  
XIII. 'Tis a sign thou art a child of God, if thou lovest the Word of God, mark dost thou love the Word of God, 'tis a sign thou art one of the children of God; Oh saith Job, I have esteemed, or I have hid or laid up the Word of his Mouth, for so it may be read, more than my necessary food, or my appointed portion; he esteemed it so that he hide it or laid it up in his heart; oh what a soul was here, that had rather be without Bread, than without God's Word; so David in the Psal. 119.97. wants words to express it, and therefore (sighingly) he lifts up his voice and (saith,) Oh how love I thy Law, so Ver. 113. I have vain thoughts, but thy Law do I love; Yea, though wicked men hate it, and make it void, yet then will I love it the more, which is intimated in that word, (therefore,) thy Servant loveth it, Verse. 127. And in the Vers. 140. thy Word is very pure; I, tried or refined, therefore thy servant loveth it, because his Word was pure without Sophistication, therefore David loved it; Ah soul, dost thou love the Word of God, as 'tis a naked pure word, 'tis a sure sign thou art Gods, and therefore mayst take peace to thy soul: Oh soul, peace to thee, so in Verse 165. Great peace have they that love thy Law, note great peace (have) they, not (shall) they, but (have) they that have thy Law thou that lovest God's Word; 'tis a good sign that word hath spoken peace to thee, thou art Godly, and God hath set thee apart for himself, Psal. 4.3. Examine as thou goest along soul, and take comfort as thou findest it in thy poor soul; Oh, if God by his Word will but speak peace to thee, it will be that that passeth understanding.  
XIV. 'Tis a sign thou art one for whom Christ is Sacrificed, if thou canst venture to follow Christ, which way soever he goes, Rev. 14.4. These are they that follow the Lamb whethersoever he goes, and 'tis said these are Virgins, chaste Virgins, Spouses of Christ are not only willing to follow Christ into Paradise, but whithersoever he goeth into the Desert, or into the Wilderness, whithersoever he goeth.  
XV. 'Tis a good sign thou art a friend of Christ, if thou canst cordially pray for thy enemies, this too many is a searching one, (this I am afraid is a hard saying who can bear it,) thou dost not come up to thy Lord's order, if thou dost it not, If thy enemy hunger give him Meat, and if he thirst give him Drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his Head, Rom. 12. last. The meaning is those good things done to him, will be like fire, that is heaped upon metal to melt it down, that is, shall be even dissolved into another nature, it will melt the heart, Mat. 5.44. Pray for them, for whom, for them, them that are our friends, them that pray for us, no for thy enemies, them that despitefully used you, this ever and anon Christ hint's at; Forgive them that trespass against you, I say some, we will forgive them, but we'll swear we will never forget them; take heed that's of the flesh, but to forgive thy enemy, is not only to be Christ's, but to be like Christ, Phil. 2.5. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; Ah, how happy a soul art thou that can do this, but do not mistake soul: I do not say make him thy friend, no, I should be loath to make my mortal enemy my bosom friend, or my familiar friend, as David speaks Psal. 41.9. Yet notwithstanding this, we should pray for them, and that will be pleasing to God, and if we please God (as certainly we shall) in thus doing, who can tell but God may (at least) make our enemies to be at peace with us, Poru. 16.7. Oh soul try thyself, canst thou pray for thy enemies, 'tis a good evidence thou art one for whom Christ is sacrificed.  
XVI. Canst thou trust and wait on Christ, I put these together, for the one is as it were the evidence of the other, for he that wait's on God, surely doth trust him, else why doth he wait on him, Psal. 84.12. Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee, Blessed (is) he, he (is) in a state of grace, that trusteth God for soul and too, 'tis no better than hypocrisy, to say we trust God with our souls, and cannot trust him with our bodies; Paul, could trust God with his life, In whom we trust, he will yet deliver us, 2 Cor. 1.10. Oh then trust in the Lord, and wait on him too; And blessed are all they that wait for him. Art thou in any distress, and God doth not yet deliver thee, wait on him, he will come, this was the temper of good Jehosaphat when he was in distress, 2 Chron. 20.12. When he knew not what to do, but (saith he) our eyes are upon thee, Ah, I'll wait on thee however, this was a good sign it is well with a soul, multitudes of Scripture witnesseth this.  
XVII. Canst thou rejoice in the grace of God in others; this is sad to tell; some seem to have grace themselves, and yet do not love to see grace in others, at least they cannot abide others should exceed or outshine their grace, they hate to see others come up to any degree of grace more than they; I am apt to suspect the truth of their grace, that thus envy others grace; but sure I am, 'tis a sign of a good soul that loves to see, and rejoice in the sight of the grace of God in others, take one clear Text for this, Acts 11.23. Barnabas when he came to Antioch, (where the Disciples were first called Christians,) when he had seen the grace of God, was glad; Oh soul, dost thou see any thing of the grace of God in others, of the Image of Christ in others, and art thou glad and rejoycest to see it, 'tis a sign thy grace is true.  
XVIII. Canst thou in any measure commit thy concernments to God, Psal. 37.5. Commit thy way to the Lord, dost thou throw thy concerns on him, or roll thyself on him, so the word signifies; Ah poor soul, hast thou a burden of care and trouble on thy back: cast it on him, for he hath bid thee do so, and such a place you shall find: 1 Pet. 5.7. Casting all your care on him, for he careth for you; Put thy trouble off to him, for he will bear it; soul, dost thou find thy heart taken off from a carking distrustful care, 'tis well for thee; but I hasten to the next.  
XIX. Dost thou long for the accomplishing the glorious promises of God to the World: the world is now much out of order, so much, that the whole Creation groaneth, but dost thou long to have it set to rites; there are promises of Christ's Kingdom set up: not in word only, but in power; my friends whoever you are, I must tell you there is a King to Reign in Righteousness, Isa. 32.1. Yea, his dominion shall be from Sea to Sea, all Kings shall fall down before him, and all Nations shall serve him, Psal. 72.8.11. Let them be never so Potent Princes, and never so stout and populous Nations, yet they shall all fall down before him, and in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall be for an Ensign of the people, Isa. 11.10, In that day, what day, why this doth refer to Gospel-times the latter days, And my Servant David, shall be their Prince for ever, As you may read at large, Ezek. from Verse 22. to the end of that Chapter; who that David is, I shall not now stand to discourse, only I would desire you to compare Jeremiah, from Verse 15. to 22. together with first of Luke 32.33. Vers. and besides this promise, he hath promised great things to his Church and People, Psal. 72.7. In his days shall the righteous flourish, They shall not be under the hatches then, Then she shall have Judges as at the first, and Counsellors as at the beginning, Isa. 1.26. Then the Mountain of the House of the Lord shall be established in the top of the Mountain, and many things more, Isa. 2.4. first Verses, than there shall be that, that good Hezekiah longed for in his days, Truth and Peace, 2 Kings 20.19. Yea, and then shall the great light break forth, that they shall not need to teach every man his Neighbour, this will be a day that they shall know from the greatest to the least, that their sins are forgiven them, Jer. 31.34. What will those do then, that say that Teaching is a Trade, when all shall know, they shall not need too Teach every man his Neighbour, there be many in our day would hid all the knowledge in their own Studies, and would not have the ordinary people to know so much, certainly these do not long for this promise to be made good, let them take heed, lest they be found none of the number that Christ was slain for, for Light is promised, the light of Christ shall shine, The Earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea; That is an universal light shall break forth, Hab. 2.14. And there is Holiness to the Lord promised to be written on every Pot and Cup in the Lord's House, and on the Bells or Bridles of the Horses; Holiness not only in Worship, but in men's civil employments, the very Carmen and Drawmen (as a Holy Man saith) shall speak of his Kingdom, and talk of his Power, there shall be a Spirit of Holiness poured out universally, Zach. 14.20. Then shall iniquity be put too an end, and then transgression shall be finished, that's the day the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and shall not be found, Jer. 50.20. And there is promised an Union among the Saints, they shall serve the Lord with one consent, Eph. 32.9. There shall be no more heart burn and divisions among them, but the children of Israel and Judah shall go together, weeping and seeking the Lord, Jer. 50.4, 5. Are not these glorious promises soul, these and many more are made, which I shall not stand to multiply; here are glorious and precious promises, that the Saints shall enjoy in this world, and if not we a succeeding Generation may, we will not limit the Holy one of Israel, but live in the Faith of it, that he will make good every word in (his) time: Ah, that it may be said of us in an after age if we see it not, as of them, Heb. 11.13. These all died in the Faith, Now if thou longest for this glorious day and promises, 'tis a great sign thou art one of his; 'tis a good sign he was slain for thee in his humiliation, if thou dost long for his exaltation, it is not likely his enemies should desire his coming and his glory; therefore comfort thyself, if thou art one of them that pray, and believe, and hope, and long, for this glorious day: but I proceed to the next, which will require great grace, strong Faith.  
XX. Art thou willing to suffer for Christ, nay, joy in tribulations, I put them together, though they might have been divided, for 'tis a higher degree required to joy in suffering, then barely to suffer; Paul, (when the Holy Ghost testified) in every City saying; bonds and affliction wait for me, yet saith Paul none of these things move me, they do not trouble me, I do not lay them to heart, So that I may finish my course with Joy, Acts 20.24. And saith he in Acts 21.13. I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of our Lord Jesus, When his friends came and hanged about him, and cried pray you Paul, pray you Paul, go not in danger; Oh saith Paul, what mean you to weep, and to break my heart; I am ready, not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, And so Phil. 1.29. It is given to believers not only to believe, but also to suffer, Matth. 5.12. Blessed are they that are persecuted for Righteousness sake, and 1 Pet. 3.14. If ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye, nay, if ye be but reproached for the name of Christ happy are ye, Pet. 4.14. And if you hold fast till the Death, I'll give you a Crown of Life, Revel. 2.10. And in Revel. 12.11. They loved not their lives to the Death, no they did not value their lives for Christ: so in Acts 5.41, 42. They went from the presence of the Counsel, (how) rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name; Oh soul, art thou willing to suffer shame for the name of Christ, not that it is shame indeed, to suffer for Christ, but it is an honour, and so it may be understood: art thou willing to suffer for Christ, then happy art thou, For the Spirit of God and of Glory resteth upon you, 1 Pet. 4.14. And then for the other thing, to joy in tribulation, that is a degree that is above bare suffering, take that Text in Rom. 5.3. We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God, Is that all, no not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; 'Tis a clear sign, that if thou canst suffer for Christ, thou art happy, and 'tis a clear or rather more clear, when thou canst glory in suffering for Christ; see how it is with you.  
XXI. Is thy heart born up under any affliction, and livest above the troubles of this life, and dost not murmur nor repine at the hand of God, take a Text for this, because I should be loath thou should ground thy confidence on any opinion of mine, Isa. 33.24. The Inhabitants shall not say they are sick, the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity; They shall not say they are sick; the sense of pardon doth take away the sense of pain, the sense of sin being taken away, doth carry them above the sense of sickness; Oh precious Word, worthy to be writtn in Characters of Gold, this is a high and noble degree of grace, I do confess.  
XXII. Canst thou go on cheerfully in thy way, where God hath set thee; canst thou go on comfortably in thy Calling, and about thy Employment that God calleth thee too: It may be thou lookest on this with a slight eye, I know not how it is with thee, but I profess I find this as hard as any, when the Eununch was brought home to God, in Acts 8.39. 'Tis said he went on his way rejoicing, It made the poor man so cheerful, that he went on his way rejoicing, but I'll not stay on this; try how it is with thee soul, if I can but a little help thee, I have what I aim at.  
XXIII. Art thou willing to do good, and to communicate to others thy poor brethren the Saints, this they did in the Acts 2.44.45. They had all things common, they sold their possessions, and parted to them that had need; Oh what is become of this Spirit in our days: where shall a man find an old Church in so glorious a Spirit as this young Church was in, oh 'tis sad to tell how the bowels both of People and Ministers too, are shut up at this day, and he is noted to be none of the Lords Children that Hath this World's good, and seethe his Brother need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him. 1 Joh. 3.17. Understand this aright, he doth not say to any one, no, but seethe his Brother in need, Thy Brother in Christ, and 'tis a right Spirit to be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, not to be haled to it, as a Bear to the Stake, but to be ready and forward, as Paul speaks of them in 2 Cor. 9.2. For I know the forwardness of your minds, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago, To be so ready to give that you rather wait to grieve, then to be asked, this is a good sign of thee.  
XXIV. Doth thy heart rise within thee against sin, and the filthy conversation of the wicked, and the company of the wicked too, I put altogether, for 'tis of the same Impost, the soul of that righteous Lot was vexed, and was moved within him, To see the filthy conversation of the wicked, 2 Pet. 2.7, 8. He see their sin and his heart did rise to see their unlawful deeds, and to hear their Ungodly Oaths and speeches, and indeed this is the true nature of a child, to have his heart risen within him, when his Father is wronged, thou mayst ('tis possible) rise against sin in thyself, as 'tis an enemy to thy own welfare, and as 'twill ruin thee, but this is not so clear a mark thou hatest sin, as when thou hatest sin where ever thou seest it, the true child will not only hate that he himself shall wrong his Father, but that others should wrong him, that he hates too; the very affection of a child cannot but stir to see his Father wronged, which brings to my mind a story I have heard of, a Dumb-son of Croesus, that seeing one about to smite his Father, the affection in him broke the bars of his speech, and made him cry out, (to the astonishment of others,) in these words: O kill not Croesus, thus the genuous child's affections will stir within him, if his Father be smit at; Oh soul, is it thus with thee, is thy soul vexed and grieved to see the dead of the wicked, and dost thou loathe the company of the wicked, they that are Gods, care not for the company of the wicked, in Jer. 15.17. Isat not in the assembly of Mockers, so David, Ps. 26.4, 5. I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers, I have hated the Congregation of evil doers, and (will) not sit with the Wicked, Note the expression (will) not sit with them, his (will) is not with them, that is, his delight is not in them; poor man, he was fain to be with them, and a great while too, which put him to complain in Ps. 120.6. My soul hath long dwelled with him that hateth peace, if I do but speak of peace they are for war, I would be quiet, but they are all for fight, A poor soul must of necessity be with them sometimes, I, but I (will) not, I delight not to be among them, I do not love their company, I care so little for them, that I would not be buried with them, that seems to be intimated in that Psal. 26. quoted even now, Ver. 9 saith David there, Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men, gathering what is that, by it is meant burying, 'tis a word that was used in Old Testament times, Gen. 25.8. Abraham died in a good old age, and was (gathered) to his people; So David saith, Gather not my life with wicked Men, I never loved their company in my life, nor do I desire to have it when I die; now soul, is it thus with thee, 'tis a good sign thou art a child of good, because thou hatest the Image of the Devil.  
XXV. Dost thou prefer God's work before thy own employment, before thy own advantage; if thou dost, 'tis a good sign thou art a child of God, this Spirit was found in Nehemiah, when Samballat and Geshem sent to him, he sent them word back again, That he was doing a great work, and he could not come down, Nehem. 6.3. Why should the work cease whilst I leave it, and come down to you; Oh, how many thousand of professors in our age, doth this one Text condemn, how many professors in our days will not only leave God's work when they are sent for, but will leave the work of God without being sent for; Men are so far from giving Nehemiah's reply, that they plead for leaving God's work, to follow their own, and the devil hath not forget his old trade of transforming himself into an Angel of light, he can tell them 'tis lawful to provide for their Family, & they are worse than Infidels that do not, but this Nehemiah might have as many excuses as thee, who ever thou art, and yet Nehemiah would not leave the Lords work, no, he preferred the Lords work and esteemed it a great work, this Christ would have all his children do, Matth. 6.33. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; I, and that's the work that should be done in the first place before all other things, try how 'tis with thee, if it be thus, 'tis a good sign thou art a child of God.  
XXVI. Hast thou in any measure overcome the World, and dost thou seek the things above; I put these together, for they are of the same import, 'tis a sign thou art quickened with Christ, if thou seek the things that are above, and get'st the world under thy feet; this made Moses contenin the Treasures in Egypt, alas he valued it not, Heb. 11.26. so John 1 5.4. He that is born of God overcometh the World, and as they have overcome the World, so they seek the things of another; Paul would have the Corinthians live in the world like Men and Women of another World, 1 Cor. 7.29. It remains that they that have Wives, be as they that have none; no, why should they run away from them; no that's not the meaning, but they should sit lose from them, if God call for them, be as willing to part from them, in his fear without repining at God's hand, as if they had none at all, And they that weep as though they wept not, and they that rejoice as though they rejoiced not, and they that buy as though they possessed not, and they that use this World as not abusing it; Note well, the Apostle doth not say you shall have no Wives; nor you shall not weep, nor receive, nor buy, nor use this World; no, but take heed how you have, and do things in the World, as if the Apostle should say, I would not have your hearts set on these things, We should use the World to carry us to our Father's House; but we must take heed you rest not here; Arise, arise Man, this world is not thy rest. Get wings man and fly up, live like men of another world in this world, such a life as this did Paul live, when he said, Our conversation is in Heaven, Phil. 3.20. Why Paul are not you among the Saints on earth, & among men on earth, yes, but converse in Heaven, I trade about Heavenly things; my thoughts Heavenly, my affections Heavenly, my conversation Heavenly, my words they are Heavenly too; they are such as are a Paradox to the Men of this world; the men of the world, speak of the world, & the world hear them, but said the Apostle, We are of God; and they that know God hear us; and they that are not of God heareth not us, no poor Creatures they know not what we say; 1 John 4.5. if you speak of God, the world know not what you say, these are out of their reach; therefore Christ said to the poor blind Jews, You do not understand my speech, (why) because you cannot bear my Word, in John 8.43. 'Twas a mystery that he speak to them, therefore Paul saith, 3 Cor. 2.14. The natural man receiveth not the things of God, because they are Spiritually discerned, Talk to him of Meat and Drink, and Sleep, and ease, and the pleasures and sports of this life; and this he heareth and knoweth, this is sensual, not spiritual, Judas 19 This his sense understandeth talk to him of a Kingdom that consisteth of Meat and Drink, this he is willing shall be his Heaven; but alas poor carnal man, thou art mistaken, The Kingdom of God consisteth not in Meats and Drink, Rom. 14.17. But now soul, hast thou overcome these sour things, and is thy heart set on Heaven, hast thou thy heart soaring aloft, I am afraid the most professors of this age are great strangers to this, and many other things, that are the life of Christianity, what ever specious pretences they may make, yet their very practices speak it out to loud; but if thou art one whose life is in Heaven, than thou art one of wisdoms children, For the way of life is above to the wise, Prov. 15.22.  
XXVII. Art thou a new creature, then 'tis a sign thou art in Christ. Are all old things done away, the old Companions, the old lusts, the old love of the folly of this world, is turned into the love of Heavenly things, 2 Cor. 5.17. It may be thou canst not shed tears so plentifully, why man repentance doth not so much consist in that; but is thy nature changed, and dost thou abhor thyself, as Job 42.6. Dost thou find in thee a hatred to thee way of wickedness, that thou wast wont to love, and a love to the things of God; that of old thou wast wont to hate, dost thou loath sin, and loathe thyself for sin, 'tis a good sign thou art in Christ, it may be formerly thou wouldst not have this man to reign over thee, but now give me Christ or else I die, formerly thou were't alive and active in sin, But now thou art dead to sin, and alive to God, Rom. 6.11. Now you do not allow yourselves willingly in any known sin; Oh soul is well with thee thou art pure in heart, though not perfect, yet in part.  
XXVIII. Hast thou a spirit of prayer and supplication poured out upon thee, when Paul was converted to Christ whom before he persecuted, Ananias was bid to go and inquire for Saul of Tarsus, for behold he prayeth, why did he never pray before, possible he might utter words before, but he had not the Spirit of Prayer before, there be many from the invention of memory, or in a form seem to pray excellently, that yet do not pray in the Holy Ghost, Acts 9.11. And you know Judas speaks of praying in the Holy Ghost, Judas 20. So that men cannot pray but by the Holy Ghost; Men may as I said mumble over a form of words it may be, I, but a man cannot pray, but by the Holy Ghost, 'tis the Spirit of God that will help souls to pray, to confess sin, and to plead promises; the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, with groans that cannot be uttered, he that hath the Spirit, can come to God as a Friend, and say, Father I have need of such and such mercies, I have need of strength against sin, and such and such corruptions are like to overcome me, he that hath the Spirit of God is the Friend of God, as Abraham was called the friend of God often times: take one place for the rest that comes next to my hand, 2 Jam. 23. Now a friend of God can go and plead with God, and say Lord, such and such sins and corruptions are to hard for me, but Lord thou hast said, Micab. 7.19, 20. Thou wilt subdue our iniquities, and cast our sins into the depth's of the Sea; Oh Lord, perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham that thou hast promised (yea sworn) to our Fathers in the days of old, Now soul, if thou dost find in thee a Spirit of Prayer and Supplication, that thou canst plead with God, in his promises; as I have instanced here in one; why then, 'tis a good sign thou art thyself called of God, and precious in his sight, but I would hasten toward an end of these things.  
XXIX. 'Tis a good sign thou thyself art in Christ, if thou art willing to bring others into Christ, grace is of a diffusive nature; it will spread itself, Peter, (saith Christ) when thou art converted, strengthen thy Brethren, Luke 22.23. It may be this is of a second conversion, and you know Paul speaks of travelling in Birth again till Christ be found in the Gallatians, Gal. 4.19. It seems to intimate they were born before, but were turned aside to crooked paths, for saith Paul Verse 20. I stand in doubt of you, but I will not dispute it here, but leave it to the sober wise, but however, When thou art converted, strengthen thy Brethren, that is, do what thou canst to convert and confirm others in their most Holy Faith; Wherefore Brethren edify one another, as also ye do, 1 Thess. 5.11 Grace will beget, and strengthen as many as it can; it will draw others what may be to the good ways of God; Come, saith David, and I will tell you what God hath done for my soul, His spirit was full, it was ready to break before it had vent; and thus it was with the Woman of Samaria, when she had once heard Christ, She run into the City and saith: Come, oh come, and see a man that told me all that ever I did; She was willing they should know all that ever she knew of Christ, and so saith Paul I would thou were't such as I am, except these hods, Acts 26.29. Oh, how did his soul long for the conversion of others, in Rom. 10.1. My heart's desire and prayer for Israel, is that they may be saved; Soul, is it thus with thee, dost thou know thy friends and relations to be in an unconverted estate, and dost thou long and pray they may be converted, Is thy fellowship with the Father, And dost thou desire their fellowship may be with you, with the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ, and dost thou declare to others what thou hast seen and heard of Jesus Christ, that thou mayest draw them into fellowship with Jesus, 1 John 1.3. If so, 'tis a good sign thou art one in Christ.  
XXX. And lastly, If thou art in Christ thou lovest the Saints of Christ, not love them barely as they are men, but as they are Saints, a man may love another, but not upon the account as he is a Christian man, he may love him as he is of a sweet behaviour and carriage, or as he is a relation, or as an acquaintance, or as a friend that may be profitable to a man in the World; I, but I speak of love to a Saint, as he is a Saint, and therefore Christ saith, He that giveth to a Prophet; not as he is a man or a friend, But as in the name of a Prophet, shall receive a Prophet's reward, Matt. 10.41.42. Now I say, if thou lovest Christ's Disciples thus, thou art in Christ, and Christ saith, by this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples; how so, why, If you love one another; John 13.35. This Spirit was in Moses, which made him say, If thou wilt not forgive their sin, blot me out of thy Book, Exod. 32.32. Which Book we would with submission say, 'tis the Book of his Temporary Life, and truly this was great love that he would lay down his life for Israel, in this he was a Type of our Lord; so David had a great love to the Saints, and a delight in the Saints, Psal. 16.3. To the Saints, and to the excellent in the Earth, in whom is all my delight, Had David nothing else to set a little of his delight upon, yes, David was a King, he had a Crown and many things else to have delighted in, but to the Saints and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight, David's delight was all on the Saints, and that with good reason, because they were most excellent; Why had not David many mighty Men of Valour that were excellent ones, you may see a whole Catalogue of David's Worthies in the 1 Chron. 11.10. to the end; and were none of these Noble Princes of valour (that were in his Court) his delight; no saith David, to the Saints in whom is all my delight; and it will appear by the delight he had in the company of them that fear the Lord, Psal. 119.63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, Not of Nobles and great Men, of whom then: Of all that fear thee, why David, there be some poor Men that fear God, dost not thou think scorn David (being a King) to company with poor Men, no saith David, I am a companion of all that fear thee, and 'tis so with others too, (saith David) Verse. 74. They that fear thee will be glad to see me, or when they see me: the Saints be glad to see one another, therefore David saith again, Verse 79. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, be they poor or rich, be they those that fear thee, Oh, let them turn unto me; be they Servants, or any I'll keep them company that fear the Lord; I, but David would it not credit thy Court to keep Ranters and Swearers, for the World saith, he is no Gentleman that cannot swear, no saith David I'll keep no such as they are, My eye shall be on the Faithful in the Land, they shall dwell with me, Psal. 101.6, 7. But for those that work deceit, they shall not dwell in my house, nor he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight: This was the Spirit that was in David he loved the Saints, let them be poor or rich, be they Masters or Servants, All that fear thee, I am a companion toe: by the way, give me leave one word to those ones of this age we live in: Sirs, how many will David's practice condemn, he was a companion of all that fear God, he was a King, and it may be thou art some Trade's man, and yet thou thinkest scorn to converse with the poor Saints, if he be some of the great ones of the City, than thou art a companion of such, but if a poor Saint come to thee, than thou art in haste, or some one or another stay for me; this is a sad Spirit that is crept in among us in these days. And from this also may Ministers themselves be rebuked, and that sharply too; truly among you, men of low estate, are low in esteem, for aught I can discern, else what meaneth this courting of the great ones, while the poor of the Flock stand by disregarded; and when a poor man comes to speak with you, I am busy, come another time; when at the same time if a great one comes, then make all ready to give them entertainment, and all possible respect shown them: Sirs, what doth this come short of that charge, Judas 16. Having men's persons in admiration, because of advantage; If it be not really so, I appeal to you, whether or no you do not give others just occasion to judge so: Oh Sirs, precious in the sight of the Lord are all his Saints, and so should they be to you, excuse me that by the by; I return to the Apostles evidence, they were also of that Spirit to love the Saints, 1 John 4.19. We love him, because he first loved us: Ah, but how shall we know that we love him, Verse 20. He that saith he loves God, and hates his Brother, is a liar, How shall we know who loved God, Verse 21. He who loves God, loves his Brother also, and Chap 5.1. Every one that loveth him that begat (that is God) loveth him also that is begotten of him, Soul, dost thou love him that is begotten of God, than thou dost love God, love God, may many a man say, why I never saw him, how then should I love him, Chap. 4.12. No man hath seen God at any time, Exod. 33.20. No man can see God and live, but in John before quoted: If we love one another, God dwelleth in us; and his love is perfected in us, Note his love is perfected, or completed in us, Ah soul dost thou love thy Brother; Saint indeed, 'tis a good sign thou art a child of God: it may be thou thinkest thou hast but little grace, it may be but as a Mustard Seed, 'tis but as a spark of fire in a great heap of ashes, a spark of grace in the midst of a great heap of corruption, or it may be thou dost not shine in the sight of others so eminently, it may be thou canst not discourse nor pray so excellently to appearance, as some can; I, but dost thou love the brethren, then I'll assure thee 'tis very well with thee, who these brethren are, Christ tells us, they are they that do the will of the Father, Mark. 3.35. not thy natural brother, if he hath not grace, he is not thy brother in Christ; 'Tis well with thee if thou lovest the Saints, so saith the same Apostle, 1 Epist. John 3.14. And with that I'll wind up all as to these things; We know that we are passed from Death to Life; Why, how dost thou know, John, we know by this, Because we love the Brethren, dost thou love the Brethren of Christ above and beyond all other men, and as they are the brethren of Christ merely upon no false account, but only as they are the Brethren of Christ and the Family of God, and as they are the Citizens of Heaven, 'tis a sure sign thou art a child of God, and to use the Phrase in the Text: One for whom Christ is sacrificed. Thus now I have gone over those Characters that have been found upon some one of the Saints or other that are found in the Word, and though it may easily be discerned that they might have been contracted, yet let such remember I design (if the Lord will) the relief of some poor soul that is ready to give up all hope, and not what will be spoken either in praise or dispraise.  
For he that will adventure in this sort, must not mind men's good or bad report, examine thy self therefore soul, by what is before thee; and if thou canst not find all these things in thee, yet if thou findest but here and there one, if God set in by his Spirit, thou may'st find a little relief to thy poor trembling soul; and if thou art found sincere before the Lord, thou art a righteous one, one that Christ the Righteous is slain for, and so comfort is to be ministered to thee, and that leads me to a use of consolation; Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him, Isa. 3.10. So in Eccl. 8.12. Surely it shall go well with him that fears God, Here is comfort soul for thee if in Christ, who eyer thou art, if thou art born of God, though but a day old; yet surely it shall be well with thee, art thou in doubt touching thy condition, as in Dent. 28.66. Doth thy life hang in doubt before, and thou fearest day and night, and hast no assurance of thy life, of thy pardon, of thy Salvation, why, behold God hath bid me tell thee, (to which he hath added this word of assurance,) (surely) it shall go well with them that fear God, thou sayest (surely) there's no pardon for me, no peace to me, and surely it shall go ill with me at last; Ah poor soul doth thy life, thy pardon haug in doubt, and hast thou no assurance of thy life, why, yet surely it shall go well with them for whom Christ died; but what consolation is there to be ministered to such, truly abundance, more than I can tell thee of, 1 Cor. 3.9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither can the heart of man conceive, what is prepared for them that love him; but, saith the Apostle in the next words: 'Tis revealed to us by the Spirit, 'tis the Spirit of God oh soul, that revealeth the consolation of God to thee, 'tis the Spirit that showeth things, (and so comfort) that is to come; and though I cannot tell thee all thy comfort, yet I'll tell thee some of thy comfort, for 'tis God that comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort you, which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God; but in a few particulars, I'll show thee some of the consolation that pertatineth to thee:  
First, I will show thee a little what thou shalt be delivered from.  
Secondly. What thou shalt partake of and be privileged too: very briefly.  
First, Thou shalt be delivered from the vengeance threatened against the wicked; Ah soul, let me tell thee, it shall be ill with the wicked; Isa. 3.11. 'Tis true, the Godly man may be afflicted for his sin, for God doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of Men, Lam. 3.33. No 'tis for some sin he will visit you; sometimes the Godly Man shall not go altogether unpunished, Jer. 30.11. But here is their comfort, I will not make a full end of you, no many at time, hath he turned away his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath, Psal. 78.38. It may be he let out a little of his anger, like the leakings of a Floodgate, but yet he did not let open the Floodgates of his wrath, that the full stream might sweep all away before it; but now he opens the Floodgate upon the wicked, he reserves them for the stroke of wrath, he takes away the wicked with his stroke, The wicked is reserved (till when) tell the day of destruction, Job 21.30. Yea, he shall be brought forth to the day of wrath, or as the Hebrew is, the day of wrath's, That is more than one, wrath upon wrath, one upon the neck of another, oh wicked man hear, and consider, and tremble, if these lines fall into thy hands, that there is wrath upon wrath for thee, and whilst ' thou livest in thy lust, and thy sin, thou dost but Treasure up wrath against the day of wrath, Rom. 2.5. Yea, wrath to thy (soul) man, as you may see in Verse 9 I put in that now because I have met with some that have disputed it, that only the bodies of men shall be punished, and not the soul: Oh, but here is a word, that there is not such another in the whole Book of God to confute thee, so emplatically laid down, Terribulation and anguish upon every soul that doth evil, upon every soul of man that doth evil. Where art thou now that wilt cavil against the souls being punished? where is the soul that shall not suffer now? if it be of an evil man; Oh I am afraid the hearts of many speak this: that the soul shall not suffer, as doth plainly appear by their lives; but 'tis clear as the day, that the wicked shall suffer, Psal. 9.17. The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the Nations that forget God, Oh thou that forget God, God will not forget you to turn you into Hell; and make; you that forget God, shall have the same, portion with the wicked, God's wrath is hot against them that forget him; harken you that forget to pray to God; Mark what's your doom, nothing but wrath, Jer. 10.25. Pour out thy wrath (or fury) on whom, on the Heathen that know thee not, and on the Families that call not on thy Name; Oh, harken you prayerless Families, you are reckoned with Heathens on God's account, count yourselves what you will, wrath shall come upon you, certainly sinners shall be destroyed, if wrath will do it, Psal. 37.8. The transgressors shall be destroyed together, and the end of the wicked shall be cut off, You that have transgressed together, you that have been unclean together, you that have been jovial, and caroused it together, profaned my day together; why, you shall be destroyed together, and your end shall be to be cut off; and he that hardeneth his neck against this or other reproof, shall be destroyed without remedy; a Godly man hath Christ for his (remedy,) I, but a wicked man hath no remedy, he never looks after Christ for his remedy, and therefore he shall be destroyed without remedy, Prov. 29.1. Oh Sinner, there are hundreds of threats against thee, but I shall stand to give thee but one north, Isa. 1.28. They that forsake the Lord shall be consumed. Not (may) be, but (shall) be, consumed, a Godly man may be afflicted, but be shall never be consumed, God will not make a full end of him, but a wicked man may be, shall be consumed, but now oh soul thou that art in Christ, thou shalt be delivered from all these threaten, much more from the things threatened, that will unavoidably come on the wicked; and when ever thou readest any threaten else, (that would require abundance of time for me to recite) thou may'st look on them, and say, these I am delivered from: and is not here comfort soul? soul, remember I have told thee, a Godly man may be afflicted, but a wicked man shall be consumed; I'll wind up this head with a Sentence: they that hold thee Faith of Christ may suffer persecution, 2 Tim. 3.12. But they that cast off the Faith of Christ they have damnation. 1 Tim. 3.12. That's the first thing for thy comfort.  
Secondly, Thou art delivered from sin, from the power of sin now; and shall be delivered from sin perfectly, they for whom Christ is slain, have their sin taken away, if not out of their conversation; yet out of their consciences, 1 Cor. 15 3. For I delivered to you first of all how that Christ died for our sins, that was it that made Paul trump and say, Oh Death where is thy sting, now the sting of Death is sin, and Christ hath taken away that, therefore he is called a Lamb, that taketh away the sins of the World; and his name is called Jesus, For he shall save his People from their sin, Mat. 1.21. Now oh soul, is it not a mercy to be saved from thy sins, is not this comfort for thee, thou dost not save thyself, but another loveth thee, Mark (he) shall save (his) people, not save himself by the light within himself, but he shall save his people, that is, those whom the Father giveth him; Now if sin doth sometimes overthrow thee, yet Christ will help thee up again, that it shall not destroy thee; thou shalt be the Conqueror at last: and therefore, though the Devil and Sin, doth upon some advantage foil thee, yet say to him in the words of the Church, Mic. 7.8. Rejoice not against me oh mine enemy, when I fall I shall arise, I have one to help me up: When a wicked man falls, he cannot rise again, he has none to help him up: but here is comfort for the Godly man, he hath one to help him up: Solomon saith, Eccl. 4.9. Two are better than one (why so) for if they fall one will help up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone; Woe to that man that falls, and hath no strength to rise again, and more he hath none to help him up; woe to him that is alone, but the Godly man hath another to help him up: now soul, hast thou this Christ, is he indeed slain for thee, here is comfort for thee then: thou art delivered from sin, that it shall not ruin thee; though it may wound thee, yet thou shalt overcome; yet do I not speak this to sew Pillows under professors Elbows, as if it were tolerable to fall by sin, nor will this bolster up any professor in wilful sin, under a pretence of failings; oh what a sad thing is it to see a professor shake the head in the Congregation, as if the Word affected his heart, and yet he will pursue the World hotter than the Devil doth pursue him with temptations, or as if there were no other happiness than these; and what a sad thing is it to see in the refined'st Congregation, foolish Pride with an impudence face, place itself in the uppermost Seat; Oh what outstretched necks are there, and what, a great deal of laying on of apparel, Oh how sad is it to tell, that professors and their Families come as gaudy as the profanest Gallant, and what scraping acquaintance will there be with these, and for aught I see, these find as good acceptance with the Preacher as any, nay with many more; for these are like themselves, and their Wives many of them are as Modish as the Court, in their white Shoes, and white Coats: like so many Magpyes, or fools in a play; and indeed professors in general are too too guilty in laying out for the back; Sirs, let me ask you all one question: and answer your consciences, if not me, as you will one day answer the great God: do you think Gods poor people do not stand in more need of relief, than your backs do of toys? I do not ask you so much whether it be an odious thing in the sight of God, and true Christians, but I ask you what answer you will give, when the eternal God shall say, I gave you or made you Stewards, of so much of the world's goods, (I say Stewards) for the proudest of you all have nothing of your own, for all you say I have riches, I have this and that, but what answer will you make; which will it be best, to be able to say, I laid it out on Gallantry and Grandeur, to make a pompous show; or else to say, I have laid it out on the poor members of Christ: and indeed 'tis observed, that at Collections for the Poor, that the finest folks give the least; I am not ignorant of your many evasions and tricks to favour your Pride, but though you may put of me, with these; yet remember how will you be able to answer the eternal God, the searcher of all hearts; you that are the Lords Ministers, me thinks you should loathe such persons when you meet them; as I have read of a great Man, that was such a lover of Justice, that when he met an unjust man, he would vomit up choler; methinks you that love plainness should vomit up choler, when you meet Pride and not compliment it: I would not have thus disgressed, but that professors are saying (when they are forced upon it,) this is our failing; this is a gross failing to follow the multitude to do evil, and to do as the most do, but yet remember still believer, if thou fallest thou hast a help, a Saviour to save thee from thy Sin.  
Thirdly. Thou shalt be delivered from sorrow, it may be poor soul, thou art now sorrowing and morning, thou hast on thy black Suit, though it may be for thy break with God, and thy untoward walking, art clothed with black own to the ground; Jer. 14.2. Well, but bear up soul, the day is hastening that there shall be no more such complaints; There shall then be no more oh my back, my head and heart, for all sorrow and sighing shall fly away, Isa. 35. last, And God shall wipe away all tears from thy eyes, Revel. 21.4. For there shall be no more sorrow nor mourning: For so it may be read, now it may be indeed of such Ointment that run down Aaron's Reared, even to the skirts of his Garments, Psal. 133.2. Tears it may be are pouring down to the ground, yet if thou be one that Christ is slain for: all this shall be done away, thou shalt see no more sorrow nor fear, and will not this a little comfort thee.  
Fourthly, Thou shalt be delivered from Wrath to Come, do the thoughts of death and darkness terrify and affright thee, why Jesus that is slain for thee, Hath delivered thee from the power of darkness, Col. 1.13. Oh what a mercy is it, but he will (yea he hath) Delivered from Wrath to Come, 1 Thes. 1.10. And is not here comfort soul? let this bear thee up that art in trouble, it may be thou feelest some of the wrath and fury of an enraged enemy here, for a time: but here is matter of rejoicing for thee, they cannot make thy sorrow last long, and the wrath that is to come, that Jesus hath delivered thee from; thus now I have showed thee what thou shalt be freed from by Christ.  
In the next place. I would a little show them what thou art privileged unto; and indeed I can show thee but little of it, oh what tongue can tell what it is indeed.  
1. Thou art privileged to be a Son of God, and what dimensions of Glory is this, 'tis to be an Heir and a joint Heir with Jesus, To sit on the same Throne with him, and have a Crown put on thy head by him, Rom. 8.17. And thus 'tis with believers, John 1.12. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Son of God, To them gave he power, or right, o● privileged, (for the Word will bear it) to become the Son of God, And let me say this, 'tis no small honour, nor no small privilege to be a Son of God, Gal. 3.26. For we are all the children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus; and in Eph. 1 5. Having Predestinated us unto the adoption of Sons, or Children, by Jesus Christ, And oh what an honour is it to be a Son, or a child of God, which made the Apostle John 1.3. admire, oh 'tis a wonder, Behold what manner of love is this, that the Father hath bestowed: or conferred, upon us, that we should (be) and not only (be) but be called the Children of God, or Sons of God; and is not this comfort for thee oh soul, that art a child of God; it is looked upon as no small honour, to be the son of a Prince, but what is it to be a son of the Prince of the Kings of the Earth.  
2. Thou hast a right to all the promises of God: and there are given to believers exceeding great and precious promises, 2 Pet. 1.4. And all are made to them in Christ, look through all the Book of God, and you will find abundance of promises, why they are all made to him that is in Christ, and in Covenant, For all the promises of God in him, are yea, and in him Amen, 2 Cor. 1.20. That is they are all made through him indeed and in truth; and is not here comfort oh soul, to have all the promises to be thine, thou hast a right to them all.  
3. All things shall work together for good unto thee, Rom. 8.28. All things this is strange language will some say, marry, it may be will every man say, will work for good, but affliction will come some times; and will that work for good: yes David could say, It was good for me that I was afflicted, Psalm 119.71. I, and God will bring the evil designs of wicked men; to work for the good of his Saints, I might have gathered this up into particulars; but spare me that; but to return, God will work good out of the evil will of other men to the Saints, Gen. 50.20. Saith Joseph to his brethren that sold him, but as for you (malicious you: envious you;) you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, God can bring good out of evil to his Saints, nay let me say more, God can bring good out of the sins of his Saints; I speak not this to encourage thee to sin, 'tis a sign thou art a child of the Devil and not of God, if thou sin that grace may abouned; But God makes the sins of his people serve, to humble his people; Oh, saith the Church in Mic. 7.9. I will hear the Indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, Oh, it makes a soul silent from complaining; yea, it humbles him, and so it works for good to the Saint; now soul, is not this a comfort, when all things shall work together for good to thee.  
4. Thou art honourable in the sight of God, Isa. 43.4. Since thou wast precious in my sight, Precious by virtue of my Sons precious Blood and Covenant, applied by a precious Faith, Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, A man in the sight of Men may be honoured, I, but he that is Christ's is honourable, and precious; Yea, his very Blood shall be precious in God's sight, Psal. 72.14. And is this no privilege oh foul, and doth it not comfort thee, but I hasten to the next, and as fast as I may towards a close of this.  
5. The things of this life are blessed to thee, therefore David saith, Psal. 37.16. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked, The little the righteous man hath is as gold, but what the wicked man hath is like dross, what compare is there between gold and dross, a little gold is much better than a great Mountain of Dross and Dung; alas a wicked man when he is fullest is inneed, he hath some little crevice that vows filling, so Job saith, Job 20.22. In the fullness of his sufficiency he shall be in strait's, not only in his sufficiency, but in the fullness of his sufficiency, if a wicked man hath much substance, yet there is a canker eat's at the root: and therefore as one observes a shilling will go as far with some, as five will with some other, but the righteous is blessed in this, that his store is increased in the spending, the little that the righteous man hath, is like the handful of Meal in the Barrel, and the Oil in the Cruse, that did increase in the pouring forth, 1 Kings 17.12. Oh Sirs, there is many a man that hath an estate, and never enjoys it, he knows not which way it goes; but the little the Godly man hath increaseth, and doth him good, when he eat's and drinks, in the strength of his meat, and drink, like Eliah goes for many days; and is not this a mercy, but may some say; you say that we have is blessed to us: but we have but a very small pittance of these things below, we are fed 'tis true, we cannot deny, but 'tis as we say, but from hand to mouth, to that let me add.  
6. The day is hastening that the righteous shall inherit the Earth, Much Scripture looks this way: I'll only hint a few, Mark 10.30. Though a man lose all for Christ sake; yet he shall receive an hundred fold, I, but when, mark the next words, Now in this time, note that this time, is meant the time of this life: Matth. 5.5. The meek shall Inherit the Earth, and if my Memory fail not, no less than six times is the same thing hinted, nay spoken plain in the 37. Psal. how this shall be, and when, I shall not now stand to dispute, but they shall enjoy peace in it; and none shall vex and trouble them, I'll give you one Text, not to trouble you with more, Isa. 32.17, 18. The effect of righteousness shall be quietness, and mark it, this is meant of a time the Saints shall have here, and if you observe it, it is the time of Christ's Kingdom, Verse 18. And my People shall dwell in a peaceable Habitation, and in sure dwellings, I, but though your dwellings may be sure; yet you may be disturbed, no the next words saith in quiet resting places; ah soul is not this comfort that thou shalt live in peace, but I forbear any further proceeding on these things, lest they should not be born; among the Godly themselves, 'twould be sad Sirs; if any of you should fall short of this for want of faith in it, but another privilege is this:  
7. All your prayers shall be heard, the wicked may pray as long as they live, yea, tell their hearts ache, yet God will not hear them, Esek. 20.31. As I live saith the Lord, I will not be enquired of by you, (you) what you, Verse 30. Them that have been polluted after the manner of your Fathers, Hear this, you that plead for the Whoredom of your Fathers, which whoredom is meant Spiritual whoredom, oh how many are there that go on in Idolatrons and in Ceremonious ways, and can give no reason for so doing, but because their Forefathers did so, harken what God saith to you that say; thus did our Fathers, and shall we be wiser than our Fathers, God will not be enquired of by you, or hear you when you pray to him, for 'tis all one, but now Godly men's prayers are heard, I'll give thee Scripture, for on my word I desire to urge nothing on thee, and if the Word speak it tremble man to doubt it, or to contradict it, Jer. 29.12.13. Then shall ye call upon me, and pray to me, and I will hearken unto you, and ye shall seek me and find me; when you search for me with all your heart, Note that (ye) and (you,) what you? why, (you) that are my people, that are in Captivity, Verse 14. Poor soul, are you in Captivity, and in Bondage, and in a weary Land, do Taskmasters impose burdens upon you, doth the scorching heat of affliction come upon you, why the man Christ will be as the shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land, Isa. 32.2. Nay, doth the wrath of God begin to break out upon the world, yet yet seek the Lord all ye meek of the Earth; Why, what if we do, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger, Zeph. 2.3. Is the Lords anger breaking in upon the Nation, doth he begin to frown upon us with plagues, why, yet seek the Lord, do others die and go down to the grave apace, why, seek the Lord and ye shall live, Amos 5.6. Wouldst thou have more comfort than this; if thou wilt but seek him, his ears are open to thy cry; His ears are open to their prayers, 1 Pet. 3.12. And are thy prayers heard, and will not this comfort thee a while; Stay but a little, and he will give thee the desire of thy heart, Psal. 37.4. What's that, why that leads me by the hand to the top of all thy comfort, which is the last.  
8. A Crown of Glory, and to be for ever with the Lord, art thou loaded with trouble and suffering here; thou shalt have a Crown of glory, shall outweigh all thy suffering, for the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with that glory, Rom. 8.18. And our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory; Oh the Dimenssons of this glory, 'tis glory, and 'tis a weight of glory, and 'tis an exceeding weight of glory: nay! 'tis a weight of glory that will last as long as eternity, For 'tis an eternal weight of Glory; 2 Cor. 4.17. 'Tis not short that will soon begun, neither is it a light and fethery thing; like the things of this world, that the wind will blow away; but 'tis a weight that will outweigh all that ever we met with in our way to it; You shall have joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.8. There are things unspeakable, here we cannot see, nor are we able to utter the unspeakable things that are above, we cannot see the beauty and that splendour of the Majesty of God, I might ask you whether you do believe. Blessed are they that have believed and have not seen, (but Faith is the evidence of things not seen,) If thou believest, thou shalt see greater things than these, greater things than these, earthly drossy things, nay be they the best things thou canst imagine, thou shalt see greater things, John 1.50. For thou shalt see God: Thou shalt see him as he is; see him thou wilt say, I see him now in his Creation and Providence, and all his great and wonderful works: I, but thou shalt see him as he is that is as he is in his glory, Alas his glory is vailed now, but thou shall see him as he is in his glory, 1 John 3.2. Alas, now we can only see him in the glass of his Word and dispensations, but then Face to Face, 1 Cor. 13.12. Ah soul, to be in (and to see) the presence of God, is a Heaven on Earth: nay more, it would be a Heaven in Hell; Oh, what a transporting sight would it be to see the Vision of the Almighty, to behold the beautifical Vision, 'tis that which hath such an influence, that had Adam beheld it, he had not had room to turn aside to sin, (as some are of opinion,) 'tis so glorious, so bright that not only Moses, but the very Angels cover their Faces at; surely here is the Crown of all, In thy Presence is fullness of joy, saith David, psa. 16.11. Possible thy fleshly part doth please itself in the presence of thy relations, thy Wife, thy Children; thy Parents, etc. and thou mayst think there is reason to rejoice in them; nay, it may be some may rejoice in the presence of their companions in wickedness, it may be thou may'st rejoice in thy cups, or in thy Harlots, of in the presence of them that are thy Brethren in iniquity: nay, it may be in the company of them that help to bring thee in some of the World's gain, though it be by lying, and unwarrantable, nay cursed ways, oh, but here is the only true ground of rejoicing, God is the chief good, and he that hath him hath all, and therefore in his Presence is fullness of joy, 'Tis a joy that strangers shall not intermeddle with, Prov. 14.10. I tell thee, thy joy shall be such, that strangers to God, strangers to Christ, and to the Covenant, shall not intermeddle with; these indeed may have a little shadow joy, but no substantial joy, a little fethery, but no solid joy; they may have some what may tickle the fancy, but nothing that will revive the heart, they may have joy, but none of (thy) joy; strangers shall not intermeddle with thy joy, there is a joy peculiar to the Saints, others may have joy, but it may be taken from them, men may take it from them, but thou shalt have joy in his presence, that no man shall take away, John 16.22. Wicked man may have joy, as they think in their Wine, and their Women: but an Alarm of War, the sound of a Trumpet at the Gate of their Court, or the voice of Fire, Fire, as was but lately experienced, will put a damp to all their mirth, and terrify them in the midst of laughter; Oh harken to this thou voluptuous wretch, that will sell all and venture thy soul and all, for a little pleasure, what if (when the glass of Wine is in thy hand) thine enemy should stand at the door with a naked Sword in his hand, and thou shouldst be made sensible of it, would it not make thy countenance change, and thy face to gather paleness; Ah, but thou that art a believer needst not fear, for neither persons nor things shall damp nor take thy joy from thee, here is great support for thee still, soul, thou that art in Christ, thou that art one for whom Christ died, shalt have all this joy, and glory, and much more; and prithee do not take my word for it, but take Christ's own word for it, and with that I will conclude this use, John 17.24. Father I will, thou wilt Son, what wilt thou, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, to behold my Glory, not be with my people, and my Ministers, which many place much of their happiness in, I wish they do not Idolise them, not be with my Angels above, which is a degree higher, but be with me where I am, is not here encouragement, that you shall be and do as Christ doth, when a Child, a Servant, or Soldier, seethe the difficulty that some times lieth before him, and he thinks he shall sink under the weight of it, yet what new resolutions doth it put into him, when he shall hear the Father, Master, or Captain say: come my Children, come Servants, come Soldiers, though the work be difficult, yet still remember you are with me, and you shall do no worse, nor far no worse than I; why soul, is this comfort to hear such words, on a Cross, what is this then to have such words on a Throne, to hear Christ say on a Cross, you shall do no worse than I: that's no small comfort, but how much more, when Christ saith, you shall be on my Throne with me to behold my glory, time was indeed it may be when thou sawest my Servant's Blood shed for their Testimony of me, and brought before Kings and Rulers for my name sake; ah, but now there is an end of that sight with thee, thou shalt be with me to behold my glory; well soul, 'tis possible thou mayst have troubles without, and corruptions within, yet here is comfort for thee; these shall have an end, thou that art in Christ master therefore lift up thy head; For thy Redemption draweth nigh, Luke 21.28. And now a word of exhortation and I have done; I have but three things to exhort and persuade Saints unto, and as many to persuade sinners to, and I have done, because I doubt I am tedious; and I beseech you all to suffer the word of exhortation, which first speaketh to the Saint on this wise: if it be so that the sins of believers are passed over by Virtue of the Blood of Jesus.  
First, Then be exhorted and persuaded to mix nothing of thy own with Christ's Blood; men are exceeding apt to be doing themselves; Oh no soul, there is nothing in thee that will help thee, unless it be to damn thee; 'tis him, and him alone, that must save; there are men that are sprung up lately, that would be their own Saviour's, and yet thy will cry glory to others, as I heard one of them say not long since: glory, glory, to the Blood that purchased us, and yet they will tell you that the Blood of Jesus hath no virtue nor efficacy to Save, what confusion and contradiction is here among them, that say other Teachers Teach contradictions, but a little, to note the expression, and their folly in betraying themselves: sometimes they say, the Blood of Jesus was no better than that of Peter and Paul, why what vettue had their blood to purchase a people; 'tis true, their prayers might avail much, and their exhortations might prevail much, but wherein did their blood purchase us? If thou sayest it did confirm their Doctrine to us, that's not purchasing us: and besides, their Doctrine was sufficiently testified by the Miracles they wrought; dost thou know what a purchase is? is it not the obtaining of any thing, by a price of equal value to what is purchased? and dost thou think the blood of one man is of equal value, to purchase a thousand men's souls; and besides this, I take notice of that word (glory) to the Blood that purchased us: wilt thou dare to ascribe glory to the Creature, why, that's Idolatry, prithee mark the dillemma; thou art fallen into, if thou said, Christ died only to confirm his Doctrine; I answer thou sayest also, thou art purchased by blood, if thou sayest Christ was not God but Man: I answer, thou sayest glory to the blood that purchased us; thus out of thy own mouth will I judge thee, for this I heard one of their public Teachers speak on his knees in their public Meeting in Devonshire House, thus these silly souls would make us believe they are so perfect in their order, when indeed they are imperfect therein, I do not speak this with any delight, no I beg the Lord would open their eyes and undeceive them, and saint I would say to thee, what ever others do; yet let Christ be all in all to thee, 1 Cor. 1.30. 'Tis him who of God is made wisdom to guide and direct thee in all thy ways; and 'tis he that is the righteousness to cloth and cover thee, all thy own righteousness is to short man; and 'tis he that is Senctification to cleanse thee, and though thou art called upon to cleanse thyself, yet it is not by the might and power of thy own repentance, but by my Spirit said the Lord; and he is redemption to redeem thee from sin and wrath, as hath been shown thee; what ever some may tell thee, assure thyself no less than that blood is a price of value to lay down, and the Apostle saith, We are bought with a price, I confess this looks strange to humane reason, but remember man, and forget not, 'tis a mystery, Great is the mystery, and if you observe the Gospel calls not so much for wisdom and reason about this mystery, but it calls for Faith, for pray you mark in Eph. 3. where this Mystery is once and again mentioned; and that it had lay hid from the beginning of the world: bat now I bow my knee sait Paul, that this Mystery may be made known, how and in what way, why saith Paul this way, Vers. 17. That Christ may dwell in you hearts by Faith; as if the Apostle should say: 'tis true under the administration of the Law, our Salvation did depend very much on our own working out, then 'twas do and live; but here was no mystery in that, the Mystery was hid then in a great measure; I, but now the mystery is to be revealed, and now Faith is called for, That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith: Alas, the way of doing is no mystery at all, if I have wronged my Neighbour, in any case, humane reason presently finds out this way, and faith I will one way or other requite him; but here is no Mystery to pay the damage or work it out; no Salvation cometh not this way by working, but by believing; and I am persuade many souls do run themselves into errors, because they look so much at Salvation in a way that suits with their humane reason, and consider not that it is in a mysterious way that we are Saved; but oh soul, what ever thou dost, look to Christ, and lean not to thy own understanding; oh man in thyself is nothing, But in him is all fullness, 1 Col. 19 Reply on him, being nothing of thy own; He that will be his Disciple must deny himself, Matth. 16.24. Thyself cannot save thyself, no, he is every way able to save thee; he needs not thy help, it must be Christ, God hath laid help upon one that is Mighty, Psal. 89.19. This is spoken of Christ, and saith Christ, If you are comely, 'tis through my comeliness that I have put upon you, You it may be think to wash yourselves and adorn yourselves; and make yourselves beautiful and comely, no, no, 'Tis my comeliness that I have put upon you; All this he speaks, because he is very jealous of his own glory; Oh saith he, My Glory will I not give to another, Isa. 42.8. And so Jeremy saith, The way of man is not in himself, That is, the way of man to Heaven, to Glory, is not in himself, but in Christ; Alas 'tis not in man to direct his steps, Jer. 10.23. And therefore in all our ways we should acknowledge him, he will have man have nothing to do in his own Salvation, 'tis true, man must move in the strength of God; but he must not look to himself, who must he look to then? he himself tells you, Isa. 45.22. Look unto me all ye ends of the Earth, And he ye saved; no, may we not do somewhat ourselves? no, no, said God: why Lord? For I am God, and there is none else, Plainly intimating that none can save but God himself; oh then, take heed of bringing in any thing with God's Salvation, in the time of the Law, God commanded, that men should not wear a Garment of divers sorts, as of  and Linen together, Deut. 22.11. An excellent word to teach us that we should not wear the  of ours (which will gall to the bone) with the Linen of Christ's own righteousness; no, he would have us have nothing of ours for righteousness, but all his for righteousness, and on that do thou trust, though he kill thee, as Job speaks, Job 13.15. Yet trust in him for he will save by himself, therefore take heed and mix nothing with Christ's blood.  
Secondly, Be persuaded not to draw back from him, if any draw back his soul will have no pleasure in him, Heb. 10.38. Ah soul, I know not so well what thou hast, as I know what I have, but I have (mine iniquity) and I do fear so hast thou, few that ever I met with, but had (one) beloved above all other, this is that David kept himself from Psal. 18.23. I kept myself from mine iniquity; Oh take head that (thine iniquity) do not draw thee back, but follow the Lord, and keep on his way, not only begin but follow on, Hes. 6.3. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord: there is the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ before, but take heed and look forward, for if thou look back there is Hell behind at thy heels, if thou draw back it will be to perdition; Oh, that we may never draw back, for if we do the fault will be ours, for God if he hath begun a good work will go on to perform it; or as it may be read finish it, Phill. 1.6. Let us then go on after Christ, and not draw back from him, but  
Thirdly, And lastly to the Saints, live as it becometh those that are called by him; and make profession of him; hath he loved thee with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving kindness hath he drawn thee, Jer. 31.3. And wilt thou not answer his love by thy Life; Oh soul, wilt thou not stand for him and own him in bad days: wilt thou not plead his cause against all enemies that pleads thy cause with the Father, hath God given thee a gift, oh, improve it for Christ; thy Lord he hath died for thee, and wilt not thou live to him? doth he appear before God for thee, and wilt not thou appear before Men for his Name sake? 'tis sad to see how men sneak away and diseart Christ's cause, under fine specious pretences; 'tis not prudence to do things say they, when Authority would not have it so, and so they have a pretence to cover themselves with that pretence; this kind of Spirit was found in some of old, in Holy Philpots time (said he) some persons make themselves a Clock to keep of the Rain, with pretence of obeying Magistrates, whom we ought to obey, though they be evil and wicked, but saith he such must learn to give Caesar his, (and God his) due, and with Peter obey the higher powers in the Lord, etc. this he speaks by reason of the cowardness of their Spirits in their Master's cause, but oh soul, that I could prevail with thee and my own soul, to stand to Christ's cause; Oh, I call Heaven and Earth to witness this day, bear witness all ye that see or hear of this, that I call upon you to plead Christ caused, and hold fast his Name, and not run away, and leave Christ; oh live as those that become the Gospel in this very thing: oh, sad 'tis to tell, there be some that in this respect have cause the very adversary to speak reproach fully, and to blaspheme, and as these are cowardly in Christ's cause, so there are others very debauched in their practices, would to God there were no cause to say professors keep lose company; many there are that keep a Club with vain Fellows: I, and I am afraid many times drink to excess, oh take shame to yourselves who are guilty, this is loathsome in the sight of the truly Godly, and I tell you, you give them just occasion to judge you Hypocritical and rotten at the heart: and to spare no rank; let me be plain with you, who take it upon you to be the Lords Watchmen, you of the Ministry, 'tis sad that you that should be reproevers, should fall justly under reproof, or rather (for I am on exhortation now,) you that should exhort others should need be exhorted, and yet what lives do some of you lead, I am ashamed to say debauched of you; Oh, instead of a holy self denying life, how many of you, live an Earthly flesh pleasing life? and how are your Families trained up? instead of the School of Christ, it may be in a Dancing-School, or at the Music, is this a life that becometh Professors? but by this time I think I hear some of you begin to say, is not it lawful to recreate ourselves: I am not minded here to answer all the cavils that the flesh will raise, but this I'll said, Paul said indeed. All things were lawful, that is as I conceive with respect to conscience of his own, but not expedient, that is with respect to conscience of another's, and to my knowledge there are some hardened by your practices; Oh how sad is it to see Ministers Wives, Children, and Families, as well as other Professors come into the Congregation, and instead of being patterns of piety, are patterns of Pride, that instead of having it said of them; they were Modest, and adorned with meekness and humility, in modest apparel, shameful, it might be said they were proud, highminded, and clad in gaudy Robes, like pictures set to sell: but I leave you to dispute it with one that will nonplusse you in all your disputations, and silence all your objections; but Saint, thou that art truly such, what ever others do, though they Eclipse and darken the Glory of God and Religion, yet do thou let thy light so shine that others may see thy good works and glorify God: Oh soul, have a shining conversation, so saith the Apostle, Phill. 1.27. Only let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel, Art thou Christ's, live as one that wouldst honour Christ, it will be an honour to Christian profession, it will be a comfort to those that were instrumental in begetting thee to God, they will be able to stand up one day and say, behold here I am, and the Children that thou hast given me, Heb. 2.13. Oh, I call upon professors now to adorn Religion, when the wicked scorn it, do you adorn it, and you that are members of Churches, I do not say of Christ, for it doth not appear by you: how do you honour Christ when there is no order nor government in your Families? no Justice, no pity, or if any but a mere carcase: instead of having the Master in the Family at even, when the duty of his particular calling is over, he is in the Coffee-house, which may justly be called the Night Exchange, not so much to Traffic as to quaff it; instead of an exhortation to thy Family and Servants, it may be thou sit telling, or else hearing a merry jest among thy Company, or at best instead of thy Bible in thy hands, ask thy Children and Servants what's God, or Christ, or the Holy Ghost, it may be thou sittest with Cards in thy hands, ask who deals, who leads the Table, or what's Trump: Sirs, take it how you will, I speak not groundlessly, is this to honour Christ, and the profession of Religion: Oh, let it not be told in Gath, nor published in Askelon: Oh, never wrong Religion so much, as to take the name of profession on you, and yet live so like sensualists under your profession.  
But I leave you to the Lord, and according to my promise, speak a word to Sinners, to poor Sinners, and what have I to say to you: but the Lord pity you, I may say to you (now we have been speaking of the sins of true believers being passed over, and aquitted by the Sacrifice of Jesus,) poor sinners I may say to you, what is this to you, you have neither part nor lot in this matter, yet would I persuade you to do these three things:  
First, Pray to the Lord, seek to him; but you will say, thou saidst before God heareth not sinners,: I answer 'tis true, not with an ear of acceptation, thou whose person is not accepted, canst not have thy Sacrifice accepted, yet 'tis not the less thy duty to pray, because thou findest not acceptance; if thou liest in the hands of an enraged Enemy, thou wilt not say 'tis in vain to entreat him, before thou hast entreated him, before thou hast tried him: no, but thou wilt beg the more, and the harder, by how much the more thou thinkest he is enraged, and wilt thou not much more cry to God, who is more ready to hear then thou art to ask, Jonah 3.8.9. Cry mightily to God, Why will he hear us? why, who can tell, if thou canst not pray in Faith, (as one saith) pray that thou mayst pray in Faith, in Jerem, 65.1. He hath been found sometimes of them that sought him not, and now canst thou tell but he may hear thee that prayest to him, as well as thou canst; pray, perhaps thou shalt have an answer of Grace, and a return of Peace and Pardon, this was the very counsel that was given by the Apostle to that wretch Simon Magus, Acts 8.22. Else why should I give it thee, if it had not foundation on the Scriptures of Truth; but I hasten to a close.  
Secondly, Break of thy, sins by repentance, when thou hast got a sight of thy state, then break of thy old Companions and Sins; Sinner let me put one Text before thee, that after all that can be said, to prevail with thee, yet wilt be merry in thy sins, and with thy old jovial companions, if the joyful news of a Saviour will not allure thee; yet, oh that the vengeance of God might amaze thee, oh hear it with trembling, Mallac. 4.1. Behold the day cometh that shall burn as an Oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; that it shall leave them neither Root nor Branch; Oh hearked to this Sinner, behold it, look well, and consider it, the day cometh (and apace too) and that day that cometh, is a burning day, a more dreadful burning then that of Jerusalem, or of London, and who can abide this burning, who will this burning be upon, this burning as of an Oven, that hath Walls to keep Men in, that there will be no escape; why in general, all ye wicked of the Earth, but especially and particularly, all the Proud ones: Oh harken you proud ones, will your pride endure the fire, will your Gay-gaws, your Bracelets, and your Necklaces, and your Round-lies like the Moon, and your Crispin-pins abide the fire, I doubt your rushing Silks will not abide the burning; nay more, it will burn you Root and Branch, and lest thou shouldst put me of and say: thou tellest us so, but we will not believe thee, I tell thee sinner, I call not on thee to believe me, believe the Lord, 'tis the Lord that saith all this, therefore 'tis added in the end, saith the Lord of Host, Oh sinner, 'tis not I a poor perishing Creature like thyself, but 'tis the Lord of Host; Oh, harken now sinner, God standeth and saith it, even now in the close of the Old Testament, therefore be advised, taked notice of his words, why what doth he say? why, he saith all the wicked of the Earth, or all Earthly wicked ones, shall be burned up with the Earth, and all proud ones shall be burned, surely God always speaks with amazing words to the proud, which made a learned and Holy Man cry out, God loathes and hates all manner of wickedness, but 'tis never said he resists any sin but pride, pride is so odious in God's sight, that he not only hates it, but resists it; and this I say note Sinner, the Lord saith it, but if thou art in thy wits, and art come to thyself, I would hope thou art not past all hope of recovery, and with that I'll conclude.  
Thirdly, And lastly, Do not give up all for lost, harken to him sinner, he calls thee, he tells thee, He hath no delight in the death of a Sinner, he doth not delight to destroy thee, Ezek. 33.11. 'Tis true thou hast no delight in our death, but art thou willing we should live? yea, he bids thee come, come whoever will come for the Water of Life, he stands (if I may so say) even as one in the latter end of a Market, and saith come Chapman, come now and buy of me, be sure you do not forget the only Commodity that you should buy: do not think it to dear (for as we say the best is best cheap,) and to urge them to buy, he uses this argument, 'tis the later end of the day the evening draws on, come buy now for I am just going to pack up my Wares, and there are none other such: now come then and buy, or else thou art undone; excuse me in borrowing the Shopkeepers Rhetoric: thus in the closing up of the Book, our Lord seems to stand and say, come buy Life, nay rather than carry it away with him again, he saith come take, I'll give it you, if you will but take it, oh wonderful, shall the Pearl of Price be offered thee Gratis; for thanks (as we say) and shall we not take it? Oh wonderful, that the best Commodity: Life, Righteousness, Pardon, Peace, should be at such a low price, nay, at no price, and yet not received, and which is more that any man should have it, too; that would but take it, whosoever, a word of a large extent, he forbids none, but bids any, whosoever will, not only the Prince in his Robes, but the Beggar in his Rags shall he welcome, not only the Rich, but the Poor, not only the Noble, but the Base, not only the Beautiful, but the Deformed, not only the Free, but the Band-man, not only my Lord, but his Man is here invited, not the Strong man only, but the Weak, not only the Learned, but the Unlearned and Ignorant, not only the Wise, but the Simple, and them that want understanding, are bid to turn in hither; Oh how free and how full is the invitation, even beyond expression, and yet how sad is it, that Sinners should put our Lord, nay, force him to make complaint, and say ye would not come to me, that ye might have Life, nay, you were so far from coming to me, that you would not take Life of me, when I brought it to you, oh that ever sinners should be thus besotted and bewitched, let me say to you as Paul to the Gallatians: Oh foolish Sinners, who hath bewitched jou; and to testify his willingness, that it is real, and not a compliment he doth declare in divers Scriptures, that he is not willing any should perish, that are willing to receive him, take one instead of many, 2 Pet. 3.9. He is long suffering to us ward; not willing that any should perish; (no, what then,) but that all should come to repentance, oh sinner whoever, or whatever thou art, as ever thou wouldst look God in the Face that made thee, or Christ that hath offered Salvation to thee, or as thou lovest thy soul do not refuse nor slight, but accept and receive the Salvation that is offered.  
And remember I'll tell thee, I have written this in love to thee, to persuade thee, and I tell thee if I am found a slighter, or neglecter of this offer, this will be a swift witness against me, and if thou art found a Despirer and neglecter of this Christ, that is Sacrificed, both I, and it, shall be forced one day, (and that day may be very near) to witness against thee; remember, if thou hast read all of these Lines hitherto, and wilt now at last despise all, and cast all off, and wilt resolve to keep thy sins, and wilt have none of Christ, thou wilt one day rue that ever thou readst thus far: Oh, remember thou hast had warning, therefore seek the Lord while he may be found, he may be found yet, Grace is offered, the Door is not shut: therefore to day, Now or Never, Man; the Night cometh when no man can work, take the present time, 'tis a sad day of calamity in the World, God and Man's Sword is drawn against us: and thou carriest thy life in thy hand, and now my heart even aches, to think whether I shall lose my labour, and thou thy God, and thy Soul; but be not, oh for the Lords sake be not so cruel to thyself, nor so unkind to Christ, but receive him that offers himself to thee, and if thou entertainest him, thou mayst assure thyself, he is a Sacrifice for thee, as well as for Believers, whom I have been endeavouring to comfort here, and they shall be sure to sing Hallellaiah for ever. saying Glory, and Blessing, and Honour, and Praise to Jesus our Pass-over; who is Sacrificed for us.  
Consider of what I have Written to thee, and the Lord by his Power persuade thy soul to close with him.  
FINIS.