CHAP. IX.

OF THE DIVINE SPIRIT IN THE SOUL.

SECT. I.

Introductory Remarks.

WE have seen in the foregoing review of opinions on the origin of what is called moral sentiment, in other words, the living operation of divine Truth in the soul, that human testimony, unaided by revelation, is much divided, and leaves us comparatively in darkness; some referring it to one source and some to another. For, Reason, natural Conscience, Benevolence, Sympathy, and Taste, have all had their respective advocates; and it cannot be said that satisfactory ground is afforded for acquiescence in any of the different systems.

After this statement of opinions and allusion to the doubts and intricate questions which the subject, as one of speculation, involves, it is natural that we should enjoy a degree of liberty and satisfaction in contemplating the brighter prospect presented to us in

the light of Scripture; like that which a man may be supposed to feel who has been wandering in a wilderness or dark thicket, embarrassed and uncertain at every turn, when he comes forth to breathe free air and to see the beauties of an open country and a straight path before him. Such is the prospect unfolded in Scripture, compared with the views developed by human speculation, in all things relating to the eternal interests of man. And thus we feel, in looking at this subject, when it is freed from metaphysical subtlety and jargon, and placed before us in its own beautiful simplicity, as it is illustrated and set forth in those incomparable Writings.

Having thus explained myself, I do not propose to speak of the beginning, developement, and operation of the divine spirit in the soul, as if it were a subject discoverable by human research; but to treat of it, in so far only, as it is plainly unfolded in Scripture, And I am willing to think that the conclusions will be found in great measure to accord with the preceding principles, as they are laid down in this Essay. Under these impressions it is that I submit the following truths or propositions for consideration.

First.-A measure of the Divine Spirit is intrusted to every man, and is represented as a seed sown in the heart, humble in its manifestations, and though small and easily overlooked, capable of increase by cultivation.

Second. Though by outward research, or intellectual labour, the rational faculty may in some

respects be accessory to the growth and developement of this seed; yet it is only an incidental help, and not the necessary mean or instrument of its cultivation for this consists immediately, in obedience to the light or knowledge received; in prostration of the soul before its Maker; in humble aspirations to the Father of Mercies for help, direction, and preservation; in charity to all men; in a life of purity and self-denial; and in true hunger and thirst after righteousness, and further discoveries of the Divine will.

Third. The influence and operation of this Divine spirit are not always accessible, and waiting upon the creature's pleasure; but only accessible through patience, watching, and prayer: for this influence is frequently withdrawn from the righteous themselves, to prove their faith, allegiance, and necessary dependance upon God alone; and it is withdrawn also from the disobedient, even as an accuser, after they have repeatedly slighted its reproofs and rebelled against its laws.

Fourth. As the rational faculties, or natural powers of the understanding, are always more or less at the command and under the controul of man, and the ratio of increase in the seed of Divine Grace, is not in proportion to the speculative knowledge of Divine Truth, but in proportion to heartfelt obedience and living operative Faith; it follows, demonstratively, that the discursive or argumentative faculty is not the source, discoverer, and framer, by any intellectual

process, synthetic or analytic, of Divine Truth in the soul.

Fifth. This Divine Spirit is the spirit of Christ himself, in all ages the same; and its manifestations are true revelations from above, perceived not by Sense nor by Reason, but by the inward eye of Faith. I shall proceed to consider these truths or propositions in order.

A Measure of the Divine Spirit is intrusted to every man, and is represented as a seed sown in the heart, humble in its manifestations, and, though small and easily overlooked, capable of increase by cultivation.

We find in Scripture that different terms are used to denote the same principle, as, the "grace" and "gift of God”—“ the manifestation of the Spirit""the light of Christ"-" the word of God"-" the Holy Spirit"-" the anointing or divine unction". "the kingdom of God" in the heart and it is compared, as, in the parables,-to a seed,-to a talent,→ to a little leaven; each capable of making increase; as, by assimilating to its own nature, like the leaven,

by gaining an addition, according to the use, like the talent, or by multiplying in a good and fruitful soil, like the seed.

The parabolical illustration appears to be varied in order to give a clearer idea of a principle which either in its mode of existence or operation, could scarcely be conceived in any other way than by some outward analogy. The immediate followers themselves, whose minds were then partially enlightened, could not at first apprehend the mysteries of Divine things spiritually. But under every different view the application is so pertinent as to leave no doubt that the same thing is indicated.

It must, however, be obvious that this principle— though of divine origin, and capable of unfolding divine counsel, according to the purity and sincerity of obedience is not given to man as an irresistible, unvarying impulse, like the instinct of the lower animals, perfect, without any previous instruction, in its operations: nor, on the other hand, is it given as a dark and hidden law, only deducible by abstract reasoning, to a knowledge of which the learned only might claim the privilege of attaining. It therefore differs from instinct, in as much as it acts in a being who has power to shut out its influence or to admit it.

The universality of this Divine Gift is very clearly stated in different passages of Scripture, so as scarcely to admit of the least doubt; as in the following.

"This is the true light," says the Evangelist John, "that lighteth every man that cometh into the