. Chap.. S.] 'THE SAINTS' REST. 125 to one that is godly, experienced,' able, and faithful, and tell him thy case, and desire his best advice. Use the judg- ment of such a one., as that of a physician for thy body; though this can afford thee no full certainty, yet it may be a great help to stay and direct thee. But do notzmakeit a pretence to put off thy own self-examination. Only use it as one of the last remedies, when thy own endeavors will not serve. When thou hast discovered thy true state, pass sentence on thyself accordingly ; either that thou art a true Christian, or that thou art not. Pass not this sentence rashly, nor with self-flattery, nor with melancholy terrors; but de- liberately, truly, and according to thyconscience, convinced by Scripture and reason. Labor to get thy -heart affected with its condition, according to the sentence passed on it. If graceless, think of thy misery;` if renewed and sancti- fied, thinkwhata blessed state the Lord bath brought thee :into. Pursue these thoughts till they have left their -im- pression on thy heart. Write this sentence at least in thy memory : " At such a time, upon thorough examination, I found my state to be thus,, or thus." Such a record will be very useful to thee hereafter. Trust not to this one dis- covery, so as to try no more; nor let it hinder thee in the daily search of thy ways; neither be ..discouraged, if the trial must be often repeated. Especially take heed, if un- regenerate, not to conclude of thy future state by the pre- sent. Do not say, " Because I am ungodly, I shall die so ; because I am a hypocrite, I shall continue so." Do not .despair. Nothing but thy unwillingness can keep thee from Christ, though thou hast hitherto abused him and ,dissembled with him. 5. Now let me add some marks by which you may try- your title to the saints' rest. I will only mention these two.: taking God for thy chief good, and heartily accepting Christ for thy only Savior and Lord. Every soul that Bath a title to this rest cloth place his .chief happiness in God. This rest consisteth in. the full and glorious enjoyment of God. He that maketh not God his chief good and ultimate end, is in heart a pagan and a vile idolater. Let me ask, then, dost thou truly account it thychief happiness to enjoy the Lord in glory, or dost thou not? Canst thou say, " The Lord is my portion ? Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth
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