Jesus, having driven him from the soul, will turn all its powers against him —
[A sinner, while under Satan's dominion, has many things which prove serviceable to that wicked fiend: his wisdom, riches, influence, are all pressed into the service of the devil ; all are used to strengthen his power, and to undermine the authority of Christ. But when Jesus has gained possession of a soul, he instantly secures all its powers, and turns the artillery of Satan against himself: whatever wealth or influence the man possessed, is now made subservient to the Redeemer's interests : the gold of Egypt is formed into vessels for the sanctuary of the Lord ; and every talent is improved in pro- moting and establishing his kingdom b. Thus does Jesus drive Satan from his fortress0, and enable the once captive soul to trample on him as a vanquished enemy d.]
From the parable thus explained we may learn —
1. What true conversion is —
[Conversion does not consist merely in a change of senti- ment : it supposes that our false peace has been broken, and that Satan has been made to yield to the victorious grace of Jesus. Jesus himself too is now become the sole monarch of our hearts, and we are cordially serving him with all our power. Let us try ourselves by this touchstone : let us see whether we be indeed new creatures : nor let us rest till we be turned from the power of Satan unto God e.]
2. Whence it is that any are converted —
[Men are in themselves the willing slaves of Satan : so far from desiring deliverance from him., they fight against their deliverer. Most assuredly therefore they are not the authors of their own conversion. It is Jesus alone who chooses the objects of his favour : it is he alone who begins and carries on the good work within themf. To him therefore must every redeemed soul ascribe the glory g. None can boast as if they had effected any thing by their own powerh: nor need any despair as though their bonds could never be broken. To every one, who wishes to be made free, there is abundant en- couragement in the Scriptures1. May our eyes be so directed to Jesus that his power may be magnified in our deliverance k!]
3. What is the duty of those who are converted —
[As Satan never leaves a soul without reluctance, so does he ever watch for an opportunity to return to it: nor will he
b 2 Cor. x. 5, 6. c 1 John v. 18. * Rom. xvi. 20.
e Acts xx vi. IS. f Zech. iv. 9. Heb. xii. 2. e Zech. iv. 7. h 1 Cor. iv. 7. l Isai. xlix. 24, 25. k Isai. xlv. 22.