The oil of gladnessThe oyle of gladnesse

§ 3.

If it be objected, Ah, J know his redemption is perfect and all-sufficient, but how can I tell that it shall be granted unto me? I answer, put off that question a little, till thou have first answered some few questions which I shall propound unto thee. Dost not thou think that the blood of ⟨p. 81⟩Christ is sufficient to wash away all thy sins? is not his satisfaction full, complete and of worth enough to answer for all thy transgressions, even though they were more then they be? If thou sayest no, thou denyest the truth of the fore-alleged Scriptures, and disparagest the merits of our blessed Saviour, which I hope thou wilt not dare to do: but if yea, as needs thou must say yea, then hearken yet further a little, and for thine own interest into this satisfaction, receive ⟨p. 82⟩satisfaction by this reason: Our Saviour Christ calleth unto him, all that travel and are heavy laden with sin, and promiseth refreshing & rest unto their souls. Tell me, art not thou laden? art not thou crushed? Dost not thou confess thy sins to be a most insupportable burden, and so heavy a load that they will surely press thee down to hell, if he do not ease thee? if thou dost not or dost not desire so to do thou art none of them whom I intend to comfort, if thou dost, why ⟨p. 83⟩then in Gods name, let that loving invitation of our Lord satisfy thy forementioned doubt, and conclude thou thus for thy self. Every one that being heavy laden will come unto Christ, shall be refreshed, shall have rest to his soul, and therefore shall have his merits bestowed upon him, without which there can be no rest to his soul. Now I am heavy laden, and I will run to Christ (and so do J pray thee, without doubting or fear any longer) and then ⟨p. 84⟩