10. But it is well to be observed, that the cause of our darkness, (whatsoever it be, whether omission or commission, whether inward or outward sin) is not always nigh at hand. Sometimes the sin which occasioned the present distress, may lie at a considerable distance. It might be committed days or weeks or months before. And that God now withdraws his light and peace, on account of what was done so long ago, is not (as one might at first imagine) an instance of his severity, but rather a proof of his long-suffering and tender mercy. He waited all this time, if haply we would see, acknowledge and correct what was amiss. And in default of this, he at lengths shews his displeasure, if thus at last he may bring us to repentance.
(II.) 1. Another general cause of this darkness is _ignorance_; which is likewise of various kinds. If men know not the scriptures, if they imagine there are passages either in the Old or New Testament, which assert that all believers without exception, _must_ sometimes be in darkness, this ignorance will naturally bring upon them the darkness which they expect. And how common a case has this been among us? How few are there that do not expect it? And no wonder, seeing they are taught to expect it: seeing their guides lead them into this way. Not only the _Mystic_ writers of the _Romish_ church, but many of the most spiritual and experimental in our own, (very few of the last century excepted) lay it down with all assurance, as a plain, unquestionable scripture-doctrine, and cite many texts to prove it.
2. Ignorance also of the work of God in the soul, frequently occasions this darkness. Men imagine (because so they have been taught, particularly by writers of the _Romish_ communion, whose plausible assertions too many Protestants have received without due examination) that they are not always to walk in _luminous faith_: that this is only a _lower dispensation_; that as they rise higher, they are to leave those _sensible comforts_, and live by _naked faith_: (_naked_ indeed, if it be stript both of love and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost!) That a state of light and joy is good; but a state of _darkness_ and _dryness_ is better: that it is by these alone we can be _purified_ from pride, love of the world, and inordinate self-love; and that therefore we ought neither to expect nor desire, to _walk in the light_ always. Hence it is (though other reasons may concur) that the main body of pious men in the _Romish_ church, generally walk in a dark, uncomfortable way, and if ever they receive, soon lose the light of God.
(III.) 1. A third general cause of this darkness is temptation. When the candle of the Lord first shines on our head, temptation frequently flees away, and totally disappears. All is calm within: perhaps without too, while God makes our enemies to be at peace with us. It is then very natural to suppose, that we shall not see war any more. And there are instances wherein this calm has continued, not only for weeks, but for months or years. But commonly it is otherwise: in a short time _the winds blow, the rains descend, and the floods arise_ anew. _They_ who _know not either the Son or the Father_, and consequently, hate his children, when God slackens the bridle which is in their teeth, will shew that hatred in various instances. As of old, _he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now_: the same cause still producing the same effect. The evil which yet remains in the heart, will then also move afresh: anger and many other _roots of bitterness_, will endeavour to spring up. At the same time, _Satan_ will not be wanting, to cast in his fiery darts: and the soul will have to _wrestle_, not only with the world, _not_ only _with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers, with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with wicked spirits in high places_. Now when so various assaults made at once, and perhaps with the utmost violence, it is not strange if it should occasion not only heaviness, but even darkness in a weak believer. More especially, if he was not watching, if these assaults are made in an hour when he looked not for them: if he expected nothing less, but had “fondly told himself
“The day of evil would return no more.”