Secondly, But the ordinances in themselves cannot do it, as §2I noted before; and therefore Jesus Christ hath sent forth the Spirit, who is his Pro—Rex, his vicegerent to carry on this work upon the hearts of his Elect. And when the Spirit comes ⟨p. 118⟩down upon Souls, in the administration of the ordinances; he effectually opens the heart to receive the Lord Jesus, by the hearing of faith. He breaks in upon the understanding and conscience by powerful convictions, and compunctions; so much that word.1 John 16.8. imports, he shall convince the world of Sin. Convince by clear demonstration such as enforces assent, so that the Soul can not but yield it to be so. And yet the door of the heart is not opened, till he have also put forth his power upon the will; and by a sweet and secret efficacy overcome all it's reluctations, and the Soul be made willing in the day of his power. When this is done, the heart is opened. Saving light now shines in it; and this light set up by the Spirit in the Soul is
First, a new light, in which all things appear far otherwise than they did before. The name of Christ, and Sin; the word Heaven and Hell have an other sound in that mans ears, than formerly they had. When he comes to read the same Scriptures, which possibly he had read an hundred times before, he wonders he should be so blind, as he was, to over look such great, weighty, and concerning things as he now beholds in them: and saith, where were mine eyes, that I could never see these things before?
Secondly, It is a very affecting light. A light that hath heat and powerful influences in it, which makes deep impressions on the heart. Hence they whose eyes the great Prophet opens, are said to be brought out of darkness, into his marvellous light. 1 Pet. 2.9. The Soul is greatly affected with what it sees. The beams of light are contracted and twisted together in the mind, and being reflected on the heart and affections; soon cause them to smoke, and burn. Did not our hearts burn within us, whilst he talked with us, and opened to us the Scriptures.
Thirdly, And it is a growing light. Like the light of the morning which shines more and more, unto a perfect Day. Prov. 4.18. When the Spirit first opens the understanding, he doth not give it at once a full sight of all truths, or a full sense of the power, sweetness, and goodness of any truth;
Secondly, But the ordinances in themselves cannot do it, as §2I noted before; and therefore Jesus Christ hath sent forth the Spirit, who is his Pro—Rex, his vicegerent to carry on this work upon the hearts of his Elect. And when the Spirit comes ⟨p. 118⟩down upon Souls, in the administration of the ordinances; he effectually opens the heart to receive the Lord Jesus, by the hearing of faith. He breaks in upon the understanding and conscience by powerful convictions, and compunctions; so much that word.1 Iohn 16.8. imports, he shall convince the world of Sin. Convince by clear demonstration such as inforces assent, so that the Soul can not but yeeld it to be so. And yet the door of the heart is not opened, till he have also put forth his power upon the will; and by a sweet and secret efficacy overcome all it's reluctations, and the Soul be made willing in the day of his power. When this is done, the heart is opened. Saving light now shines in it; and this light set up by the Spirit in the Soul is
First, a new light, in which all things appear far otherwise than they did before. The name of Christ, and Sin; the word Heaven and Hell have an other sound in that mans ears, than formerly they had. When he comes to read the same Scriptures, which possibly he had read an hundred times before, he wonders he should be so blind, as he was, to over look such great, weighty, and concerning things as he now beholds in them: and saith, where were mine eyes, that I could never see these things before?
Secondly, It is a very affecting light. A light that hath heat and powerful influences in it, which makes deep impressions on the heart. Hence they whose eyes the great Prophet opens, are said to be brought out of darkness, into his marvelous light. 1 Pet. 2.9. The Soul is greatly affected with what it sees. The beams of light are contracted and twisted together in the mind, and being reflected on the heart and affections; soon cause them to smoak, and burn. Did not our hearts burn within us, whilst he talked with us, and opened to us the Scriptures.
Thirdly, And it is a growing light. Like the light of the morning which shines more and more, unto a perfect Day. Prov. 4.18. When the Spirit first opens the understanding, he doth not give it at once a full sight of all truths, or a full sence of the power, sweetness, and goodness of any truth;
- 1[Greek or Hebrew] Demonstratio est Sylogismus faciens scire. [Greek or Hebrew]. Arist.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Demonstratio est Sylogismus faciens scire. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Arist.
