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2 3. And in those days He did eat nothing, and when they were ended, He afterwards hungered. (Luke iv. 2.) It should appear from these words that in spiritual temptation there is no reception or desire of spiritual good and truth, and that the spiritual appetite doth not return till the temptation hath ceased.

4. The cry of wisdom in the besieged city is, speaking they spake in old time, saying, Asking they shall ask in Abel [mourning,] and thereby shall become perfect. (See 2 Sam. xx. 18.) Nevertheless the city cannot be delivered until the offender is given up; (see verses 20–22.) The case is the same in the spiritual siege. The eternal wisdom in the soul pleadeth the eternal law of divine mercy, compassion, and charity extended to the afflicted; nevertheless this of itself cannot suffice, unless the offending party, the darling lust, be delivered up and slain.

5. It is remarkable that in the Gospel according to Luke, (xxii. 17, 20,) in speaking of the passover, mention is made of the cup before supper, and of the cup after supper; probably the first cup was meant to denote the truths leading to good, and the second the truths derived from good.

6. Entrance into heaven is not at the hour of death, but at the time of conversion. This day is salvation come into this house. (Luke xix. 9.)

7. You wish to see God, and yet you take no delight in thinking about God: but do you know that