52 THE URUlSED REED part, we ·may discern something of this hidden life and these smothered sparks. In a gloomy day there is so much light whereby we m'ay know it to be day and not night : so there is something in a Christian under a cloud, whereby he may be discerned to be a true believer and not a hypocrite. There is no mere darkness in the state of grace> but some beam of light, whereby the kingdom of darkness wholly prevaileth not. These things premised, let us know for trial: 1. If there be any holy fire in us, it is kindled from heaven by " the Father of lights," who " commanded light to shine out. of darkness." As it is kindled in the use of means, so it is fed. The light in us, and the light in the word, spring one from the other, and both from one Holy Spirit : and therefore if men regard not the word, it is because there is no light in them. Heavenly truths must have a heavenly light to discern them. Natural men see heavenly things, but not in their own proper light, but by an inferior light. God in every converted man
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