Visions, manifestations, raptures and ecstasies of soul, though even from God himself, (which there is every good reason to suspect, unless they sink the soul in humility, and excite such love to Jesus as is founded in knowledge and productive of obedience) are not to be gloried of. St. Paul says, it is not expedient for me to glory. I know the danger, I fear the evil of it, from the pride and treachery of my nature.

The history of the life of sorrows, and death of shame, curse and agony, which Jesus sustained for sinners, was it believed perfectly in the heart, would fill the mind with the strongest affection, and inflame the soul with the most fervent love. But alas, all have reason to complain for want of greater love to Christ, and stronger faith in him. Oh unbelief, what an enemy to love! Our love keeps pace with our faith: as the one grows stronger, the other increases.

Vulgar minds have but very contracted ideas of the magnitude of that glorious luminary the sun. The most knowing of the children of men, form but very inadequate notions of the nature and properties of that grand source of light and heat. We daily see him however, feel his influence. This he incessantly sheds upon the whole creation freely. How vain and arrogant would he be deemed, who should pretend he could procure the cheering light and comforting warmth of the sun.

Such was the mournful complaint of David; yea, of Jesus too, the root and offspring of David. ‘Lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon Abraham, the father of the faithful.’ Gen. 15:12. So the Lord suffers his dearest children to be distressed; yet it is their privilege, and they are again and again exhorted, to ‘rejoice in the Lord alway.’ Phil. 4:4. Under such frames, let not disciples entertain hard thoughts of the God of love; but ever remember, they are heightened by our adversary. Least of all should humble followers of the Lamb judge themselves not to be true converts, because they have not experienced such dreadful terrors of hell and damnation in their conscience, as some talk of.

It is a sure mark that the true grace of God, by Jesus Christ, is conceived in the heart, when the cry of the soul is for more grace. Thus there is an harmony between the Father’s promises and the children s wants. God giveth more grace: I daily need more, saith the sensible soul. ‘He that drinketh of the water of life, saith Jesus, shall never thirst again:’ He shall never thirst after any other fountain; he shall seek to no other spring but me. There is no grace, favour, or good will from God to sinners, but what is by Jesus, through him, in him, and communicated from him.

Many are the competitors for the heart of man. Though our dear Father and best friend lovingly calls for the free-will offering of this precious jewel, yet we are foolishly inclined to give it to our worst enemies. This pleasing world, with all its gay scenes of happiness and joy, attracts our affections, inchants our minds, and bewitches our senses; so that we love it dearly, devote our hearts to it cheerfully, and dread the very thoughts of leaving it greatly.