"And lo," saith God unto such preachers, when their auditory is made
up of such kind of hearers, "lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely
song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an
instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not."
2. But then, besides these there is another sort, and they go
further than these. For to them the word came, not in word only but
also in power: though not in such a power as is sufficient,
absolutely against all attempts whatsoever, to bring the soul to
glory.
(1.) They attain light or illumination to see much of their state by
nature. Heb. 6:4.
(2.) This light stands not in bare speculation, but lets fall upon
the conscience convincing arguments to the bowing and humbling of
the spirit. 1 Kings, 21: 27-29.
(3.) They submit to these convictions and reforms, and may for a
time not only come out from them that live in error, but escape the
pollutions of the world by the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. 2 Peter, 2:18-20; Gal. 3:4; 4:20.
(4.) Yea, so powerful will this dispensation be, that it will
prevail with them to do and suffer many things for the vindication
of the truth of that gospel which they profess. For the word will be
sweet unto them; Christ, the gift of God, will be relished by them.
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