One would dread that state, more than all others, which St. Paul describes as "being past feeling." Eph. 4:19. True, there is this alleviation, such are insensible of their deplorable condition. But, if the great trumpet of the Gospel awakes not the soul, in this life, to spiritual sense and feeling, verily, the loud archangel's trumpet will rouse it, to hear its awful sentence, and feel its dreadful doom at the last day. O what a miracle of grace to be quickened, to know one's misery, feel one's wants, believe the remedy, and cry for relief! This blessed work is not from the will of the flesh. No man can quicken his own soul. It is the sovereign work of almighty power. It is equally ascribed to the loving Father, redeeming Son, and sanctifying Spirit. John 5:21, and 6:63. Therefore, gracious souls, give all the glory to the ever-blessed Trinity. Be clothed with humility.
"I am come, that ye might have life," saith Jesus. He quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins; and then they cry to him, to have life more abundantly. Here is the wisdom of heaven-born souls; they deny themselves the vain pleasures, carnal delights, and sensual gratifications of this world. They know these things oppose the life, interrupt the peace, and damp the joy of their souls. Their only happiness centres in Jesus, and in life and love communicated from him. Therefore they study to avoid such things as are contrary to his mind and will. And as they too often find themselves clearing to the dust, to the sensible, earthly, vain enjoyments of this world, this alarms them, it is a burden and grief to them. Hence they pour out their complaints to their beloved Lord, with "Master, let it not be thus. Quicken my drooping spirit. Enliven my declining heart. Cheer my languishing soul, according to the word of thy grace and the truth of thy promises." Here is the blessed confidence of faith. His word is our plea. By that we have assurance of being heard and answered. The precepts of his word teach us his will; and we cannot feel a want, but God's word promises to supply it. Therefore, that is the warrant of faith, a light to direct our feet; and is also our best directory for prayer. So Christ prays for all his, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17. Ever remember thy Lord's words, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." John 6:63.
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