into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Faith and perseverance must here unite. We need faith, to believe that, by the power of the Son of Righteousness, we may overcome these imaginations; and perseverance, that we faint not, but pursue our journey through this vale of tears," we have put all our enemies under our i of which these vain thoughts form a part: that we may, by checking and endeavouring to restrain these wandering and flighty notions whenever they arise, have our minds enlightened by him who shines into the dark and benighted soul: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (r) For through him we have access by one spirit unto the Father. It is declared, "the natural man receiveth not the things

(r) Col. 1. 14, 17.

of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (s) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father hath sent in Jesus' name, will teach us all things, and bring all things to our remembrance whatsoever That his peace ay remain with us. In the world we shall have tribulation, but in him peace.

hath said unto us. (t)

Who then is among us that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God: (u) not upon our own strength must we trust, for of ourselves we can do nothing as we ought; no! not even think a good thought. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap cor

(s) 1 Cor. 2. 14.

(t) John, 14. 26.

(u) Isai. 50. 10.

E

the redeemed in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so to be ever with the Lord?

Look then to the centre of the soul, for he who speaks with the still small voice is there, (being the most inward,) if we would but regard it! That we may not be of the number of those, who have received the mark of the beast, that were to be cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, but of those who drink of that river which is pure and clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Where there will be no need of candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever. (1)

This is that eternal and spiritual land of peace which Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with all the glorified spirits inhabit, and where we also shall gain an entrance and

(1) Rev. 22. 1—5.

be partakers of their bliss, if we go on from conquering to conquer, till faith be swallowed up of victory. Come then all that are athirst, and take of the water of life freely, for he that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will, says the Almighty, be his God, and he shall be my son. (m)

(m) Rev. 21. 7.

Chapter III.

IF the soul now begins to see a greater necessity for a complete death and a perfect conformity to the Cross of Christ, let not the hindering things of time intercept its way, but be willing to count all things loss for the excellency of him, of whom the Apostle said, I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. (n) That we may enter upon a strict enquiry into our heart, and search it as with the candle of the Lord, that every thing that is impure may be done away, purging out all the old leaven, that we may be made a new lump. (o) Seeing there is no safety in

(n) Phil. 3. 8.

(0) 1 Cor. 5. 7.