Besides, he doth most gravely also, in that book, debate of the rise of these temptations, namely, blasphemy, desperation, and the like; showing that the law of Moses, as well as the devil, death, and hell, hath a very great hand therein:  the which, at first, was very strange to me; but considering and watching, I found it so indeed.  But of particulars here I intend nothing; only this methinks I must let fall before all men, I do prefer this book of Martin Luther upon the Galatians, excepting the Holy Bible, before all the books that ever I have seen, as most fit for a wounded conscience.

XVI.  SECURITY OF CHRISTIANS.

Christians, were you awake, here would be matter of wonder to you, to see a man assaulted with all the power of hell, and yet come off a conqueror.  Is it not a wonder to see a poor creature, who in himself is weaker than the moth, stand against and overcome all devils, all the world, all his lusts and corruptions?  Or if he fall, is it not a wonder to see him, when devils and guilt are upon him, rise again, stand upon his feet again, walk with God again, and persevere after all this in the faith and holiness of the gospel?  He that knows himself, wonders; he that knows temptation, wonders; he that knows what falls and guilt mean, wonders:  indeed, perseverance is a wonderful thing and is managed by the power of God; for he only “is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy.”

He that is saved must, when this world can hold him no longer, have a safe conduct to heaven; for that is the place where they that are saved must to the full enjoy their salvation.  Here we are saved by faith and hope of glory; but there we that are saved shall enjoy the end of our faith, and hope, even the salvation of our souls.

But now for a poor creature to be brought thither, this is the life of the point.  But how shall I come thither?  There are heights and depths to hinder.  Rom. 8:38, 39.  Suppose the poor Christian is upon a sick-bed, beset with a thousand fears, and ten thousand at the end of that—­sick-bed fears, and they are sometimes dreadful ones:  fears that are begotten by the review of the sin perhaps of forty years’ profession—­fears that are begotten by fearful suggestions of the devil, the sight of death and the grave, and it may be of hell itself—­fears that are begotten by the withdrawing and silence of God and Christ.  But now, out of all these the Lord will save his people; not one sin, nor fear, nor devil shall hinder, nor the grave nor hell disappoint thee.  But how must this be?  Why, thou must have a safe conduct to heaven.  What conduct?  A conduct of angels.  “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them that shall be heirs of salvation?”