ABERDEEN, _May_ 14, 1637.
CLXXII.--_To_ JOHN CLARK (_supposed to be one of his Parishioners at
Anwoth_).
(_MARKS OF DIFFERENCE BETWIXT CHRISTIANS AND REPROBATES._)
LOVING BROTHER,--Hold fast Christ without wavering, and contend for
the faith, because Christ is not easily gotten nor kept. The lazy
professor hath put heaven as it were at the very next door, and
thinketh to fly up to heaven in his bed, and in a night-dream; but,
truly, that is not so easy a thing as most men believe. Christ Himself
did sweat ere He wan this city, howbeit He was the freeborn heir. It
is Christianity, my Heart, to be sincere, unfeigned honest, and
upright-hearted before God, and to live and serve God, suppose there
was not one man nor woman in all the world dwelling beside you, to
eye you. Any little grace that ye have, see that it be sound and true.
Ye may put a difference betwixt you and reprobates, if ye have these
marks:--1. If ye prize Christ and His truth so as ye will sell all and
buy Him; and suffer for it. 2. If the love of Christ keepeth you back
from sinning, more than the law, or fear of hell. 3. If ye be humble,
and deny your own will, wit, credit, ease, honour, the world, and the
vanity and glory of it. 4. Your profession must not be barren, and
void of good works. 5. Ye must in all things aim at God's honour; ye
must eat, drink, sleep, buy, sell, sit, stand, speak, pray, read, and
hear the word, with a heart-purpose that God may be honoured. 6. Ye
must show yourself an enemy to sin, and reprove the works of darkness,
such as drunkenness, swearing, and lying, albeit the company should
hate you for so doing. 7. Keep in mind the truth of God, that ye heard
me teach, and have nothing to do with the corruptions and new guises
entered into the house of God. 8. Make conscience of your calling, in
covenants, in buying and selling. 9. Acquaint yourself with daily
praying; commit all your ways and actions to God, by prayer,
supplication, and thanksgiving; and count not much of being mocked;
for Christ Jesus was mocked before you.
Persuade yourself, that this is the way of peace and comfort which I
now suffer for. I dare go to death and into eternity with it, though
men may possibly see another way. Remember me in your prayers, and the
state of this oppressed church. Grace be with you.
Your soul's well-wisher,