Nicholas Byfield

The signs of the true Christian that has true grace in this world and shall be saved in heaven when he dies may be cast into two catalogs¹—the one more brief and the other more large. The one catalog of signs describes him by such marks as, for the most, part outwardly distinguish him among men. The large catalog I intend especially as a more infallible and effectual way of trial, containing such signs as, for the most part, are not observed by other men, or not fully, but are known to himself and can be found in no one who is a reprobate.²

For the first catalog: The true Christian usually discovers himself by these marks. First, he will not “have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph 5:11). He will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of bsinners” (Psa 1:1). He will not sort himself with workers of iniquity (2Co 6:14-18).

Second, he will afflict and humble his soul for his sins, mourning and weeping before them…He accounts his sins to be his greatest burden. He cannot make a mockery of sin.

Third, he labors to be holy in all parts of his conversation, watching over his own ways at all times and in all companies (Psa 50:23; 2Pe 3).

Fourth, he makes conscience of the least commandments as well as the greatest, avoiding filthy speaking, vain jesting, and lasciviousness³ (Eph 5:4), as well as whoredom; lesser oaths as well as greater; reproachful speeches as well as violent actions.

Fifth, he loves, esteems, and labors for the powerful preaching of the Word above all earthly treasures.

Sixth, he honors and highly accounts of the godly and delights in the company of such as truly fear God above all others (Psa 15).

Seventh, he is careful of the sanctification of the [Lord’s Day], neither daring to violate that holy rest by labor nor to neglect the holy duties belonging to God’s service—public or private (Isa 56, 58).

Eighth, he does not love the world, neither the things of it (1Jo 2:15), but is more heartily affected in things that concern a better life. So [he] does in some degree love the appearing of Christ (2Ti 4:8).

Ninth, he is “easy to be intreated” (Jam 3:17). He forgives his enemies, desires peace, and does good even to those that persecute him if it lies in his power (Mat 5:44-45).

Tenth, he goes on in the profession of the sincerity of the gospel and does such duties as he knows God requires of him in the business of his soul, notwithstanding the oppositions of profane persons or the dislike of carnal friends.

Eleventh, he sets up a daily course of serving God and that with his family too, if he has any. [He] exercises himself in the Word of God as the chief joy of his heart and the daily refuge of his life, calling on God continually. So much of the shorter catalog of signs.

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1. catalogs – complete lists of things, usually arranged systematically.
2. reprobate – one rejected by God.
3. lasciviousness – inclined to lust or sexual desires.

From The Signs of a Wicked Man and the Signs of a Godly Man, Puritan Publications

Nicholas Byfield (1579-1622): Anglican Puritan preacher and author; born in Warwickshire, England.

Courtesy of Chapel Library