from him. Now if at this time, he knows the love of Christ that
passeth knowledge, he knows a way in all probability to be recovered
again. For if Christ Jesus loves with a love that passeth knowledge:
then, saith the soul, that is thus in the dark, he may love me
yet, for ought I know, for I know that he loves with a love that
passeth knowledge; and therefore I will not utterly despond. Yea,
if Satan should attempt to question whether ever Christ Jesus will
look upon me or no: the answer is, if I know the love that passes
knowledge: But he may look upon me, (O, Satan) yea, and love,
and save me too, for ought I poor sinner know; for he loves with
a love that passeth knowledge. If I be fallen into sin that lies
hard upon me, and my conscience fears, that for this there is no
forgiveness. The help for a stay from utter despair is at hand:
but there may, say I, for Christ loves, with a love that passeth
knowledge. If Satan would dissuade me from praying to God,
by suggesting as if Christ would not regard the stammering, and
chattering prayer of mine. The answer is ready, but he may regard
for ought I know; for he loves with a love that passeth knowledge.
If the tempter doth suggest that thy trials, and troubles, and
afflictions, are so many, that it is to be thought thou shall
never get beyond them. The answer is near, but for ought we know,
Christ may carry me through them all, for he loves with a love
that passeth knowledge. Thus I say, is relief at hand, and a help
in reserve for the tempted, let their temptations be what they will.
This therefore is the weapon that will baffle the devil when all
other weapons fail; for ought I know, Christ may save me, for he
loves with a love that passeth knowledge. Yea, suppose he should
drive me to the worst of fears, and that is to doubt that I
neither have nor shall have for ever the grace of God in my soul.
The answer is at hand, but I have or may have it, for Christ