Page:The Doctrines of the New Church Briefly Explained.djvu/58

52 old man" that Paul speaks of, and "puts on the new man" by regeneration from on High; thus "making in himself of twain one new man, so making peace."

And still further: By the assumption and glorification of our human nature, God placed Himself in a new and more intimate relation to universal humanity. He could thenceforward and forever draw graciously near to all men as He could not before. He could impart unto them his quickening influence and his renewing grace as never before. He could enlighten them in their darkness, sympathize with them in their trials, strengthen them in their weakness, shield them in temptation, and so exert or make operative for them his redeeming love, as He could not before. From the hour when it could be said—was said—of that sublime work of glorifying the human, "It is finished," a new spiritual force became manifest among men. A new and Divine energy began to pervade the moral universe. A new light began to be diffused, and new life to pulsate in the hearts of men, especially of those who looked to Him in humble and confiding faith; and this, too, in fulfilment of the Divine promise. For the Lord, while yet in the flesh, spoke of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit or Spirit of truth, which He would