occupies our tongues rather than this, insomuch that amongst our friends and relatives it seems, as it were, to be banished by general consent. Still less do we speak for God. We see him dishonoured on every side ; but we dare not advocate his cause. If our own father or friend were so insulted, we should find somewhat to speak in their behalf: but for God and his honour we have no concern : we can see the whole world risen in rebellion against him, and never once bear our testimony against their impiety. And whence is this, but from the same Satanic influence ? Yes, " our walking thus according to the course of this world is owing to that prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in all the children of disobe- dience^."]
But from this state our blessed Lord is ever willing to deliver us —
[He is constituted " both Lord and Christ'." He is ex- alted on purpose that he may give us the grace we stand in need of^, and thus " destroy in us the works of the deviP." He on his ascension to heaven poured out the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which he has promised to us also™ ; and by his Spirit "he will open the eyes of our understanding"," and *' open our lips also that we may shew forth his praise °." This is the very office which he has undertaken to perform : He is " made Head over all things to the Church for this very end? ;" and " there is a fulness treasured up in him for this express purpose 1." No man has any need to be discouraged, as though he were beyond the reach of this mercy : he cannot be in a more hopeless state than the man who is spoken of in my text: and we are assured, that " the things which are hid from the wise and prudent, our Lord will reveal unto babes." Let all then look unto him ; the blind, that they may see, and the dumb that they may speak ; and not one shall be disappointed of his hope : for our blessed Lord has " counselled all to come to him for these blessings'"," and " no soul shall ever seek his face in vain."]
Address^
L Those who are yet under the power of Satan —
[But where shall I find these, or even so much as one of them ? Are you, or you, or you amongst this unhappy num- ber ? No ; if we will take your own word, we shall not find so much as one. But are there none amongst you that are destitute of a spiritual discernment, and whose whole conduct
h Eph. ii. 2. i Acts ii. 36. ^ Acts v. 31.
1 1 John iii. 8. ^ Acts ii. 38, 39. " Eph. i. 17, 18.
" Ps. Ii. 15. P Eph. i. 22, 23. ^ Col. i. 19. John i. 16.
>■ Rev. iii. 18.