A heavenly conference between Christ and Mary after His resurrection. Wherein the intimate familiarity,…

and therefore God is a God to his, though the world see it not▪ There is a secret hidden influence, a secret passage between Heaven and earth, that none seeth. Who observeth the influence of the Sun, or the sweet influence of the Stars upon the earth? light we see; but there is a secret influence pierceth deeper then the light, to the very bowels of the earth whence metals come. Where no light comes, there is an influence, though not discerned, and much more can there be influence of strength and power, and hidden comfort, though there be no sight. Cannot God be our God, in regard of strength, supporting and supplying, though there be no visible and sensible comfort, though we see it not our selves. Certainly the soul is upheld ⟨p. 181⟩by an invincible strength in the worst condition that can be. Therefore this is true, that God is our God in all conditions.

and therefore God is a God to his, though the world see it not▪ There is a secret hidden influence, a secret passage between Heaven and earth, that none seeth. Who observeth the influence of the Sun, or the sweet influence of the Starres upon the earth? light we see; but there is a secret influence pierceth deeper then the light, to the very bowels of the earth whence metals come. Where no light comes, there is an influence, though not discerned, and much more can there be influence of strength and power, and hidden comfort, though there be no sight. Cannot God be our God, in regard of strength, supporting and supplying, though there be no visible and sensible comfort, though we see it not our selves. Certainly the soul is upheld ⟨p. 181⟩by an invincible strength in the worst condition that can be. Therefore this is true, that God is our God in all conditions.

¹Let us make use of this. To what use is riches and friends, if we do not use them? to what use is God and Christ, if we use them not? Nostrorum est, utamur nostro bon. He is ours, let us use him for our special good on all occasions. Oh that we had faith answerable to our prerogative, it is a prerogative more then Heaven and earth, that God is ours, and had we faith suitable, what kind of persons should we be in grace and comfort, and whatsoever is good? Therefore labour to make use of it; but more of this after we have spoken of some rules of trial, because whatsoever I may say this way may be misapplied. They be excellent comforts; but perhaps saith the distressed soul, they belong not to me; to whom it doth belong: perhaps it belongeth to me, faith another that is a stranger, and a carnal man, to whom it doth not belong. Therefore our Saviour giveth some notes of distinctions, to know