Seven sermons on several select subjects preached

First, The light of grace; he makes that shine. In the midst of darkness, a spark of faith in the Soul, it is a spark of light. When the Tree hath no blossoms or leaves to be seen, as in ⟨p. 135⟩Autumn; yet there may be sap in the root of the Vine.

So my Brethren, when our outward comforts are as it were dead, it is Autumn; yet there may be the seed of God in the heart, and this spark of grace, it is a dawning light to the Soul.

Secondly, God sometimes causes a light of spiritual joy and consolation to arise in the dark and disconsolate Soul: And truly this light of spiritual joy, it is the very glimmering of the light of Heaven, Isa. 12.1. Thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. This light of spiritual comfort, it is sweet and ravishing; it as far excels all other joys, as Heaven excels Earth. Thus you see in the midst of darkness or black clouds, God makes light to arise and shine unto the godly: It is only God himself that can make it lightsome, when the Soul is in a dark disconsolate condition. As when the Sun is set, none can make it rise but only God: So when it is ⟨p. 136⟩Sun-set in the Soul, and the dew of tears drop, none can make day-light in that Soul, but God himself: others may preach comfort to us, while it is God that must make us feel comfort: others may bring a Cordial to us, and set it to us, and by us; but it is God that must pour in this Cordial, Psal. 4.7. Thou, Lord, hast put gladness in my heart.