Chapter XV. WHILE endeavouring to pursue that path which alone leads to life, we should avoid feeding the soul with unprofitable imaginations, which are as the shadow over the noon day sun, obscuring for a time his refulgent light from our view, though he shines with equal lustre behind the cloud. So is the mind when overshadowed by reasonings. The sweet meditation and divine presence of our Holy Redeemer is obscured from our souls by our not sufficiently guarding against that enemy who is continually laying his snares to entrap us, either in thought, word, or in deed, and through which we suffer loss; if we do not flee to the cross, and "cast down every imagination, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Faith and perseverance must here unite. We need faith, to believe that, by the power of the Son of Righteousness, we may overcome these imaginations; and perseverance, that we faint not, but pursue our journey through this vale of tears,, till we have put all our enemies under our feet, of which these vain thoughts form a part: that we may, by checking and endeavouring. to restrain these wandering and flighty notions whenever they arise, have our minds enlightened by him who shines into the dark and benighted soul: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (r) For through him we have access by one spirit unto the Father. It is declared, "the natural man receiveth not the things (r) Col. 1. 14, 17. of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (s) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father hath sent in Jesus' name, will teach us all things, and bring all things to our remembrance whatsoever he hath said unto us. (t) That his peace may remain with us. In the world we shall have tribulation, but in him peace. Who then is among us that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God: (u) not upon our own strength must we trust, for of ourselves we can do nothing as we ought; no! not even think a good thought. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap cor (s) 1 Cor. 2. 14. (t) John, 14. 26. E ruption; but if we sow to the spirit, we shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. (v) And as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (w) O this divine love, with which the soul will be filled! This internal converse which cannot be easily moved by the things of time and sense; for we are crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not we, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and we hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit. (x) Therefore, as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that (v) Gal. 6. 7. 8. (w) 1 Cor. 2. 9. (x) John, 3. 8. believe on his name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (y) And the Almighty, by the propet Isaiah, says, I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. (z): Seeing then we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (a) (y) John, 1. 12, 13. (z) Isai. 44. 3. (a) Heb. 4. 14, 15, 16. |