The entrance of the word gives light: It giveth understanding to the simple. Psalms 119:130. Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquities have dominion over me. Psalms 119:133.
We may have a clear sight and a real taste of the gospel, and yet be soon deprived of it again, if we do not walk in godly simplicity and poverty of spirit, for Christ will have none but humble and child-like disciples. But thus abiding always in the word and in Christ, we will come to great and lasting assurance. Neither a sweet sense, nor even faith itself, but Christ alone is the foundation of our salvation, whom the weakest as well as the strongest believer receives. And we must believe first, before we can feel. To trust only on feeling is not true faith, and does not last long.
Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord,
How good thy works appear!
Open mine eyes to read thy word,
And see thy wonders there.
When once it enters to the mind
It spreads such light abroad,
The meanest souls instruction find,
And raise their thoughts to God.
’Tis like the sun, a heavenly light
That guides us all the day.
And through the dangers of the night
A lamp to lead our way.
Since I’m a stranger here below,
Let not thy path be hid,
But mark the road my feet should go,
And be my constant guide.