to assurance, yea, and to " a full assurance." On the other hand, if we are far from God in secret, and harbouring any lust in our bosom, our fear ought to preponderate, and to be within us a friendly and faithful monitor. Yet, again I say, that whether we " rejoice or tremble," extremes must be avoided : for we never can have such ground for joy, but that we have reason for trembling ; or such ground for trembling, but that we have reason to rejoice. The person most confident of God's love should search and try his ways, to see whether he be requiting God aright, and walking worthy of his pro- fession: and the person who is most doubtful of God's love should be careful not to write bitter things against himself, as though he were an outcast from God : for, if his attainments may justify a fear, his desires most assuredly justify a hope. And, after all, the doubting Christian has the advantage of his presumptuous brother : for, though he has less of present comfort, he has, through God's abounding mercy, a greater measure of security.]
2. For the directing of our ways —
[Here it is taken for granted, that every Christian loves his God. In that, we cannot err. Whether we have a greater or less persuasion of God's love to us, our duty is plain in reference to him. His love to mankind at large is clear enough : for " he has so loved us, as to give his own Son to be a propitiation for our sins." Here then is ground enough for our love to him, and our affiance in him. Let all, then, st^nd upon this broad basis. I deny not but that personal favours call for love and gratitude : but I say, that the mercies we all enjoy in common with each other, are grounds of love ; and I call every one of you to devote yourselves to God with all possible fidelity and affection. Esteem him above all
Desire him above all Delight in him above
all And, if our Lord put the question to you which
he put to Peter, " Lovest thou me?" let your whole life and conversation testify in your behalf, so that you may appeal to him and say, " Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee."]