13. So long as men dream thus, they may well _walk in darkness_: nor can the effect cease, till the cause is removed. But yet we must not imagine, it will immediately cease, even when the cause is no more. When either ignorance or sin has caused darkness, one or the other may be removed, and yet the light which was obstructed thereby, may not immediately return. As it is the free gift of God, he may restore it, sooner or later, as it pleases him. In the case of sin, we cannot reasonably expect, that it should immediately return. The sin began before the punishment, which may therefore justly remain, after the sin is at an end. And even in the natural course of things, tho’ a wound cannot be healed while the dart is sticking in the flesh, yet neither is it healed as soon as that is drawn out; but soreness and pain may remain long after.
14. Lastly, If darkness be occasioned by manifold, heavy and unexpected temptations, the best way of removing and preventing this is, to teach believers always to expect temptation: seeing they dwell in an evil world, among wicked, subtle, malicious spirits, and have an heart capable of all evil. Convince them that the whole work of sanctification, is not (as they imagined) wrought at once: that when they first believe, they are but as new-born babes, who are gradually to grow up, and may expect many storms, before they come to the full stature of Christ. Above all, let them be instructed, when the storm is upon them, not to reason with the devil, but to pray; to pour out their souls before God, and shew him of their trouble. And these are the persons unto whom chiefly we are to apply the great and precious promises: (not to the ignorant, till the ignorance is removed; much less to the impenitent sinner.) To these we may largely and affectionately declare the loving kindness of God our Saviour, and expatiate upon his tender mercies, which have been ever of old. Here we may dwell upon the faithfulness of God, whose _word is tried to the uttermost_, and upon the virtue of that blood which was shed for us, to _cleanse us from all sin_. And God will then bear witness to his word, and bring their souls out of trouble. He will say, _Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the_ Lord _is risen upon thee_. Yea, and that light, if thou walk humbly and closely with God, will shine more and more _unto the perfect day_.