Page:Illustrations of the Holy Word.pdf/19

Rh appear from these words, that man attains the knowledge of salvation, or saving knowledge, only so far as he experiences a remission or putting away of evils from his heart and life through the Divine power.

38. They who would find the true wisdom figured in the parable by the lost piece of silver, must do as the woman did: 1, Light a candle; 2, Sweep the house; 3, Seek diligently till they find. (Luke xv. 8.)

39. The honey is at this day found in the carcase of the lion, as it was formerly, (see Judges xiv. 8,) by all those who have the courage and the strength to slay the lion. When any evil or error becomes a carcase, by being deprived of its life, that is to say, by not loving and cherishing it, it never fails to become the nidus, or nest, of spiritual joys and delights.

40. is in the midst of her, therefore she shall not be moved;  shall help her when the morning appears. (Psalm xlvi. 5.) It should appear from hence, that all spiritual strength and protection arise from God being in the midst, that is to say, exalted to the inmost or highest place in the affections or loves. Then, and then only, the morning appears in the soul, when the Sun of Righteousness thus begins to ascend, and take His place in the zenith of the spiritual firmament. In every other case it is dark night, for the ruling love at all times determines the state.

41. According to the spiritual idea, to be willing is to be able; or, in other words, will is ability, agreeably