Dear Sir,
....In the first place, it shows, that regeneration, or that great
change without which a man cannot see the kingdom of God
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And from hence we may infer the
sovereignty, as well as the efficacy of grace; since it is evident, not only
that the objective light, the word of God, is not afforded universally to all
men; but that those who enjoy the same outward means have not all the same
perceptions. There are many who stumble in the noon-day, not for lack of light,
but for lack of eyes; and those who now see, were once blind even as others,
and had neither power nor will to enlighten their own minds. It is a mercy,
however, when people are so far sensible of their own blindness, as to be
willing to wait for the manifestation of the Lord's power, in the ordinances of
his own appointment. He came into the world, and he sends forth His Gospel,
that those who see not may see; and when there is a desire raised in the heart
for spiritual sight, it shall in his due time be answered.
From hence likewise we may observe the
proper use and value of the preaching of the Gospel, which is the great
instrument by which the Holy Spirit opens the blind eyes. Like the rod of
Moses, it owes all its efficacy to the appointment and promise of God.
Ministers cannot be too earnest in the discharge of their office; it behooves
them to use all diligence to find out acceptable words, and to proclaim the whole
counsel of God. Yet when they have done all, they have done nothing, unless
their word is accompanied to the heart by the power and demonstration of the
Spirit. Without this blessing, an apostle might labor in vain: but it shall be
in a measure afforded to all who preach the truth in love, in simplicity, and
in all humble dependence upon him who alone can give success. This in a great
measure puts all faithful ministers on a level, notwithstanding any seeming
disparity in gifts and abilities. Those who have a lively and pathetic talent,
may engage the ear, and raise the natural passions of their hearers; but they
cannot reach the heart. The blessing may be rather expected to attend the
humble, than the voluble speaker.
Farther: we may remark, that there is a
difference in kind between the highest attainments of nature, and the effects
of grace in the lowest degree. Many are convinced, who are not truly
enlightened; are afraid of the consequences of sin, though they never saw its
evil; have a seeming desire of salvation, which is not founded upon a truly
spiritual discovery of their own wretchedness, and the excellency of Jesus.
These may, for a season, hear the word with joy, and walk in the way of
professors; but we need not be surprised if they do not hold out-for they have
no root. Though many such fall, the foundation of God still stands sure. We may
confidently affirm, upon the warrant of Scripture, that those who, having for a
while escaped the pollutions of the world, are again habitually entangled in
them; or who, having been distressed upon the account of sin, can find relief
in a self-righteous course, and stop short of Christ, "who is end of the
law for righteousness to everyone that believes"-we may affirm, that
these, whatever profession they may have made, were never capable of perceiving
the beauty and glory of the Gospel salvation.
On the other hand, though, where the eyes
are divinely enlightened, the soul's first views of itself and of the Gospel
may be confused and indistinct, like him who saw men as it were trees walking;
yet this light is like the dawn, which, though weak and faint at its first
appearance, shines more and more unto the perfect day. It is the work of God;
and his work is perfect in kind, though progressive in the manner. He will not
despise or forsake the day of small things. When he thus begins, he will make
an end; and such people, however feeble, poor, and worthless, in their own
apprehensions, if they have obtained a glimpse of the Redeemer's glory, as he
is made unto wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption-so that his
name is precious, and the desire of their hearts is towards him-have good
reason to hope and believe, as the wife of Manoah did in a similar case, that
if the Lord had been pleased to kill them, he would not have showed them such
things as these.
Once more: The spiritual sight and faculty
is that which may be principally considered as permanent in a believer. He has
no stock of grace, or comfort, or strength, in himself. He needs continual
supplies; and if the Lord withdraws from him, he is as weak and unskillful
after he has been long engaged in the Christian warfare, as he was when he
first entered upon it. The eye is of little present use in the dark; for it
cannot see without light. But the return of light is no advantage to a blind
man. A believer may be much in the dark; but his spiritual sight remains.
Though the exercise of grace may be low, he knows himself, he knows the Lord,
he knows the way of access to a throne of grace. His frames and feelings may
alter; but he has received such a knowledge of the person and offices, the
power and grace, of Jesus the Savior, as cannot be taken from him; and he could
withstand even an angel that should preach another gospel, because he has seen
the Lord. The length of this paper constrains me to break off. May the Lord
increase his light in your heart.
