246 BAXTER'S DYING THOUGHTS. an advantage hath a Christian of great and long experience for his hope and joy ! And yet when notable experiences of God's prov- idence are past and; gone, an unbelieving heart is ready to ques- tion, whether the things came not by mere natural course; and like the Israelites in the wilderness, dangers and fears bear down even long and great experiences. This is my sin XI. " And hope maketh not ashamed." That is, true hope of what 'God hath promised, shall never be disappointed. They that trust on deceitful creatures are deceived, and ashamed of their hope; for all men are liars, that is, untrusty; but God is true, and ever faithful O, what acomfort it is that God commandeth me to trust him ! Sure such a command is a virtual promise, from him that cannot fail that trust whichhe commandeth. Lord, help me to trust thee in greatest dangers, and there to rest. XII. " Because the love of God is shed abroad upon our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is giveq to us." It is the love of God shed abroadon our hearts by the HolyGhost which must make us rejoice in hope of the glory of God, even in tribulation. Here I must consider, i. What is meant by the love of God. ii. Why, and how it is shed abroad on the heart by the Holy Ghost. .i. By the love of God is meant the effects of his love. 1. His special grace. 2. The pleasant gust or sense of it. God's love thus shedon the heart,'presupposeth it expressed in the gospel and providence, and contains all these particulars. L The sanctifying of the soul by renewing grace. This is the giving of the Spirit, as he is givkn to all true Christians.. 2. Herein the Holy Ghost makes us perceive the exceeding de- sirableness ofthe love of God, andmaketh us most desire it. 3. He giveth the soul some easing hope of the love of God. 4. He quieteth the doubts, and, fears, and trouble of the soul. 5. He raiseth our hopes, by degrees, to confident assurance. 6. Then the thoughts ofGod's love are pleasant to the soul, and give it such delight as we feel in the love and fruition of our most valued and beloved friends. 7. The soul in this state is as unapt to be jealous of God, or to question his love, as a good child or wife to question the love of a parent or husband, or to .hear any that speak evil of them. 8. This, then, becomes the habitual state of the %oul, in all changes, to live in the delightful sense of the love of God, as we do live in pleasure with our dearest friends. O, blessed state, and first-fruits of heaven ! and happy are they that do attain 'it And though lower degrees have their degree of happiness,.yet how far short are such, in goodness, amiableness, and comfort, of those that are thus rich in grace!
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