can be exercised aright, unless all be allowed their due place and influence. There are doubtless many occasions of grief and sorrow ; yet no circumstances are so afflictive, but we may find in them some ground of joy and gratitude. Hence in the direc- tions which the Apostle gives to the Thessalonian Church, he bids them to " rejoice evermore," and " in every thing to give thanks." But to moderate our feelings, and to combine them in such a propor- tion as occasions may require, is difficult, yea, im- possible, to flesh and blood. In this arduous work, we must be directed and assisted by the Spirit of God. In this connexion, the caution in the text is extremely forcible : for if we be not attentive to improve the proffered aids of the Spirit, we shall never be able to execute any other part of our Christian duty.
The words before us may have some reference to the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit ; but being in- serted amidst exhortations to various graces, they must be understood in reference to them also.
They contain a very solemn caution ; in discours- ing upon which we shall,
I. Consider the operations of the Spirit under the emblem of fire —
The Spirit is frequently spoken of under the em- blem of firea: and fire justly represents his offices and operations —
[Kindle a fire in a dark place, and it will give light to all around it. Draw near to it when chilled with cold, and it will warm and comfort you. Cast wood or straw upon it, and it will cause them to burst forth into aflame. Suppose it heated to a furnace, and, if you put stones into it, it will break and dissolve them. Let gold or silver be submitted to its action, and it will purge them from their dross. Let iron be cast into it, and it will transform, the metal into its own likeness, so that. it shall come out a solid mass of fire.
Here we see the operations of the Spirit. It is his office to enlighten the mindb ; nor had the Apostles themselves any
a Acts ii. 3, 4. Matt. iii. 11. Rev. iv. 5. b Eph. i. 17, 18.