God will have us sure of a thing by knowing the heart whence it comes; that is the only worthy assurance.

To know, he will have us go in at the great door of obedient faith; and if anybody thinks he has found a backstair, he will find it land him at a doorless wall.

It is the assurance that comes of inmost beholding of himself, of seeing what he is, that God cares to produce in us.

Nor would he have us think we know him before we do, for thereby thousands walk in a vain show.

At the same time I am free to imagine if I imagine holily--that is, as his child.