buried seed, or principle. They that have a good degree of grace, and keep it in lively exercise, are not so much troubled with doubts of its sincerity, as the weak and languid christian. They blot not their evidence by so many infirmities and falls: they are more in the light, and have more acquaintance with themselves, and more sense of the abundant love of God. They have more of the spirit of adoption, and can call him Father, with greater freedom and comfort.

5. A Christian indeed, is grounded in humility. He is so well acquainted with his manifold imperfections, and daily failings, and great unworthiness, that he is very low and vile in his own eyes, and therefore can easily endure to be low and vile in the eyes of others. He even abhors himself when he finds the perverseness of his heart to God, and how little he knows of him, and how little he loves him in comparison of what he ought and how little of heaven is upon his heart; and how backward his thoughts are to the life to come. These are as fetters upon his soul. He groans under them as a captive, and longs for the day of his deliverance. He sees in himself so much darkness, imperfection, and want of further grace, that he

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is often a burden to himself. O could he but know and love God more; and be more in heaven, and more willing to die, how easily could he bear all crosses and injuries, and be content with any state on earth. He is much more fearful of doing wrong than of receiving wrong. He falls out with himself more frequently than with others. He believes himself to be his greatest enemy, and knows that his danger is most at home. He is more careful of his duty to his prince, his parents, his master, his pastor, than of theirs towards him; because he knows that sin is worse than present suffering; and it is better to be injured than to injure others.

6. A Christian indeed, is more in getting. and using his graces, than enquiring whe-ther he has them. He is very desirous to be assured that he is sincere, but he is more desirous to be so: and he knows that even assurance is gained more by the exercise and increase of grace, than by bare enquiry, whether we have it already. Not that he is a neglecter of self-examination, but he oftener asks, what shall I do to be saved? than how shall I know that I shall be saved?

7. A Christian indeed, studies duty more

than events. He looks to his own part more than God's, knowing that he is likely to fail; but that God will never fail of his part. And when any thing goes amiss, he blames himself, and not God's providence. He knows that the hairs of his head are numbered, and that his Father knows what he needs; and that God is infinitely wiser and fitter to dispose of him than he is to choose for himself: and, therefore, he thankfully accepts that easy, indulgent command, "Cast all your care on him for he careth for you."

8. A Christian indeed, is one that highly values time: he knows how much work he has to do; that he has a soul to save or lose; a heaven to win; a hell to escape; a death and judgment to prepare for; many a sin to mortify, and many graces to exercise and increase, and many enemies and temptations to overcome; and that what is now left undone, must be undone for ever. O precious time! how highly does he value it, when he thinks of his everlasting state, and what work he has for every hour of his time. He has a heart to teach, and watch, and study; and a God to seek, and faithfully serve, and many to do good to, and a variety of duties to perform. But alas! time makes haste away,

and many things are left undone; and he is afraid that death will find him very much behind hand; and therefore he is up and doing as one that has use for every minute.

9. A Christian indeed, makes conscience of all the duties of his station and relation to others. If he is a husband he is loving, and patient, and faithful to his wife; if he is a father, he is careful of the holy education of his children; if he is a master, he is just and merciful to his servants, and careful for the saving of their souls; if he is a child or servant, he is obedient, trusty, diligent and careful, as well behind his parents or master's back, as before their face.

O happy church, and state, and family, that is composed of such confirmed Christians! where their prevailing character is such as has been described! But how much more happy is the new Jerusalem, the city of the living God, where the perfected spirits of the just, in perfect life, and light, and love, are beholding, admiring, and praising the eternal God, their Creator, and Redeemer, and Sanctifier for ever!

PREPARATION FOR DEATH.

MY FRIENDS,

You cannot live a comfortable life till you are prepared for a comfortable death; but if you are ready to die well, you are ready to live well, and ready to suffer, and ready for any thing. The man who hopes to be for ever with the Lord, has little to fear. How quietly may he sleep! how easily may he suffer! how joyfully may he live! Give me leave then to assist and direct you in this great work.

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1. Be sure that you repent of every known sin there is nothing makes death so terrible to us as guilt. "The sting of death is sin." It is sin that makes us hide ourselves from our God; and it is sin that hides his face from us. So great is his mercy, that nothing but sin could separate us from his love. Spare not sin, therefore. Search it to the very bottom of your hearts, you will find it has taken deep root there, and requires deep repentance. And when you have found out all its secret places in your hearts, confess it plainly.