The Sincere Convert

Thirdly, Hereupon the soul cometh §3to be affected, and to taste the goodness and sweetness of Jesus Christ, as those did, Heb, 6. and the soul breaks out into a passionate admiration: Oh • that ever there should ⟨p. 206⟩be any hope for such a vile wretch as I am and have been, and so joys exceedingly, like a man half way wrapped up into Heaven.

Thirdly, Hereupon the soule commeth §3to be affected, and to taste the goodnesse and sweetnesse of Jesus Christ, as those did, Heb, 6. and the soule breakes out into a passionate admiration: Oh • that ever there should ⟨p. 206⟩be any hope for such a vile wretch as I am and have been, and so joyes exceedingly, like a man halfe way wrapt up into Heaven.

Fourthly, Hereupon the soul being comforted after it was wounded, now calleth God, my God, and Christ, my sweet Saviour, and now it doubts not but it shall be saved; why? because I have received much comfort after much sorrow, and doubting, Hos. 8. 2, 3. and yet remains a deluded miserable creature still. But here mark the difference between the witness of each spirit. The false spirit makes a man believe he is in the state of grace, and shall be saved, because he hath tasted of Christ, and so hath been comforted, and that abundantly: But the true Spirit persuades a man, his estate is good and safe, because he hath not only tasted, but bought this Christ; as the wise Merchant in the Gospel, that rejoiced he had found the pearl, but yet stays not here, but sells away all, and buys the pearl. Like two Chapmen that come to buy Wine,