Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

look till thou art captivated in raptures and flames of Love towards him; count the whole World dross and dung for him; espouse him in the dearest and sweetest affections.

Again, set thy heart upon Heaven; call back thy Affections from this vain World, where they have been scattered a-gathering up stubble, unto Heaven thy native Country, that thou ⟨p. 459⟩mayest have a pregnant proof in thy self, that thou art born from thence, and a-going thither. Follow those attractions, which Heaven the great Centre of Grace and Holiness put upon thy Faith and Love to draw thee up to it self. Long to be up in that pure region of Bliss where God is All in All: There are sinless Perfections, and tearless Comforts, rivers of Pleasures, and plenitudes of Joy for ever. Thou mayest there read all Truths in the Original, and satiate thy self at the fountain of Goodness. Have thy Conversation above, drive on a constant trade there by Prayers and good Works, that thou mayest have rich returns of Grace and Love from thence. This is the true way to Assurance. A notable instance we have in the Psalmist, O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land where no water is, Psal. 63.1. and what is the issue of it? his Soul which had so emptied out it self in holy Pantings and Anhelations after God, was soon satisfied with the marrow and fatness of his love, ver. 5. No sooner was the Spouse sick of love to Christ, Cant. 2.5. but his left hand is under her head in Supports, and his right hand embraces her, in the sweet manifestations of his Love to her, ver. 6. The more Heavenly the Believer is, the sitter he is for Assurance; which serves as a lesser Heaven for him till he come to the great one which is above.

Again, set thy heart upon Heaven; call back thy Affections from this vain World, where they have been scattered a-gathering up stubble, unto Heaven thy native Country, that thou