But now the true teacher began more powerfully to manifest himself to him, although as yet he knew him not. _The spirit of truth proceeding from the Father and the Son_, wrought in him daily, a still deeper solicitude about his salvation. Among others of his reflections in reference thereto, he began to think more seriously than ever, of the doctrine of the church of _Rome_, and of his own connexions with her; resolving that whatever might be the consequence, he would, both do, and avoid, whatever appeared to him, nay in any measure contribute to the true life of his soul. Thus, hitherto
“Drawn by a secret power he flew, Nor stay’d to prop the papal throne, The truth determined to pursue, And panting for a God unknown; By works of legal righteousness, He blindly sought the grace t’obtain, But could not find the paths of peace, But labour’d thro’ the fire in vain.”