of understanding \ an assurance of faith'", and an assurance of hope": of all these, the men of this world have no idea: they are ready to speak of such things as marks of daring presump- tion. But the disciple of Christ has an inward witness of the truths he has learned" ; and knows perfectly that they are not a cunningly-devised fable p. He can venture his soul upon them with as much confidence, as he can recline his weary body upon his bed. He knows in whom he has believed ; and that the soul which is committed to Jesus, is safe for ever^.]
2. From the accusations of conscience —
[In spite of men's endeavours to silence the convictions of their conscience, they never can obtain peace but in God's appointed way. But the person that has learned of Christ to rely simply on his blood and righteousness, enjoys a " peace that passeth all understanding." He knows that " the blood of Jesus will cleanse him from all sin," and that " there is no condemnation to the soul that believes in him" ]
3. From the turbulence of passion —
[Whatever difference there may be in the natural tempers of men, all have some predominant passion that leads them captive. But the disciple of Christ has a new and more power- ful principle infused into his soul"^; by means of which he is enabled to bring into subjection his corrupt appetites, and to mortify those evil dispositions which are such a fruitful source of misery to the unregenerate. This forms the great line of distinction between the Lord's people and others ; for, whereas others are led captive by some sin, believers " have not so learned Christ, if they have indeed heard him and been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus ^:" on the contrary, "they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts*."]
4. From the fear of death —
[Men may brave death on a field of battle ; but all, except the true Christian, shrink from it in its more silent and gradual approaches. But Christ purchased for his followers a deliverance from this bondage ^. With respect to them, death has lost its sting: yea, it is counted amongst their richest treasures^: and they are enabled to look forward to it with pleasure, as the period when all their conflicts will cease, and their joys be consummated for ever''
' Col. ii. 2. m Heb. x. 22. " Heb. vi. 11.
» Heb. xi. 13. 1 John v. 10. and iii. 19. p 2 Pet. i. 16.
<i 2 Tim. i, 12. ^ Gal. v. 16, 17. ^ Eph. iv. 19—21.
t Gal. v. 24. " Heb. ii. 14, 15. ^ 1 Cor. iii. 22. y Phil. i. 23.