The Fountain of Life Opened

Indeed (thinks such a poor deluded soul,) if I did hear, read, or pray without any inward affections, with a dead, cold, and unconcerned heart: or if I did make show of Zeal, and affection in duties, and had it not▪ well might I suspect my self to be a self-cozening Hypocrite: but its not so with me. I feel my heart really melted many times, when I read the sufferings of Christ. I feel my heart raised, and ravished with strange Joys and comforts, when I hear the glory of Heaven opened in the Gospel.

Indeed (thinks such a poor deluded soul,) if I did hear, read, or pray without any inward affections, with a dead, cold, and unconcerned heart: or if I did make shew of Zeal, and affection in dutys, and had it not▪ well might I suspect my self to be a self-cozening Hypocrite: but its not so with me. I feel my heart really melted many times, when I read the sufferings of Christ. I feel my heart raised, and ravished with strange Joys and comforts, when I hear the glory of Heaven opened in the Gospel.

Indeed if it were not so with me, I might doubt the root of the matter is wanting. But if to my knowledge, affection be added. A melting heart, matched with a knowing head; now I may be confident all is well. I have often heard Ministers cautioning and warning their people, not to rest satisfied with idle and unpractical notions in their understandings; but to labour for impressions upon their hearts, this I have attained; and therefore what danger of me?

I have often heard it given as the mark of an Hypocrite, that he hath light in his head; but it sheds not down its influences upon the heart. Whereas in those that are sincere, it works on their hearts and affections. So I find it with me, therefore I am in a most safe estate.