^dly. By some actual elevation of the mind and understanding to go forth unto and receive into itself the truth as represented to it: by both of them sending forth light and truth, Ps. xliii. 8; blowing off the clouds, and raising up the day-star that rises in our hearts, 2 Pet. ii. 19.
[2.] Of power : Isa. xxxv. 5, 6, the breaking forth of streams makes not only the blind to see but the lame to leap. Strength comes as well as light, by the pouring out of the Spirit on us; strength for the receiving and practice of all his gracious discoveries to us.
He leads us, not only in general, implanting a saving light in the mind, whereby it is disposed and enabled to discern spiritual things in a spiritual manner, but also as to particular truths, render- ing them glorious and desirable. Opening the mind and understand- ing by new beams of light, he leads the soul in'esistibly unto the receiving of the truths revealed ; which is the second thing we have by him.
I shall only observe, for a close of this, one or two consequences of the weight of this twofold operation of the indwelling of Christ: —
[1.] From the want of the first, or his creating a new light in the minds of men, it is that so many labour in the fire for an acquaint- ance with the things of God ; it is, I say, a consequence of it, as dark- ness is of absence of the sun. Many we see, after sundry years spent in considerable labours and diligence, reading of many books, with a contribution of assistance from other useful arts and sciences, in the issue of all their endeavours do wax " vain in their imaginations, having their foolish hearts darkened; professing themselves wise, they become fools;" being so far from any sap and savour that they have not the leaves of ability in things divine, Rom. i. 21, 22. Others, in- deed, make some progress in a disciplinary knowledge of the doctrines
346 DOCTRINE OF THE SAINTS' PERSEVERANCE. [CHAP.
of the Scriptures, and can accurately reason and distinguish about them, according to the forms wherein they have been exercised, and that to a great height of conviction in their own spirits, and perma- nency in the profession they have taken up. But yet all this while they abide witliout any effectual power of the truth conforming and framing their spirits unto the likeness and mould thereof, Rom. vi. 17. Tliey do but " see men walking like trees." Some shines of the light break in upon them, which rather amaze than guide them ; they "comprehend it not." They see spiritual things in a natural Hght, and presently forget what manner of things they were, and in the species wherein they are retained they are "foolishness," 1 Cor. ii. 12-14,
[2.] From the want of the latter it is that we ourselves are so slow in receiving some parts of truth, and do find it so difficult to convince others of some other parts of it, which to us are written with the beams of the sun. Unless the truth itself be rendered a glory to the understanding, and the mind be actually enlightened as to the truth represented, it is not to be received in a spiritual manner. Those who know at all what the truth is, " as the truth is in Jesus," will not take it up upon any other more common accoimt. Some- times in dealing with godly persons to convince them of a truth, we are ready to admire at their stupidity or perverseness, that they will not receive that which shines in Avith so broad a light upon our spirits. The truth is, until the Holy Spirit sends forth the light and power mentioned^ it is impossible that their minds and hearts should rest and acquiesce in any truth whatever. But, —
4. From this indwelling of the Spirit we have supi^ortment. Our hearts are very ready to sink and fail under our trials; indeed, a little thing will cause us so to do: flesh, and heart, and all that is within us, are soon ready to fail, Ps. Ixxiii. 26. Whence is it that we do not sink into the deeps? that we have so many and so sweet and gracious recoveries, when we are ready to be swallowed up? The Spirit that dwells in us gives us supportment. Thus it was with David, Ps. li. 12. He was ready to be overwhelmed under a sense of the guilt of that great sin which God then sorely charged upon his conscience, and cries out like a man ready to sink under water, " O uphold me with thy free Spirit;" — "If that do not support me, I shall perish." So Rom. viii. 26, the Spirit helpeth, bears up that in- firmity which is ready to make us go double. How often should we be overborne with our burdens, did not the Spirit put under his power to bear them and to support us! Thus Paul assures himself that he shall be carried through all his trials by the help supplied to him by the Spirit, Phil. i. 19.
There are two special ways whereby the Spirit communicates sup- portment unto the saints when they are ready to sink, and that upon two accounts, first, of consolation, and then of strength: —