And could we suppose a Christian destitute of that light necessary to discern the way of salvation, we must suppose him to be the subject of very painful disquietude. Because, when conviction of sin hath taught a man the knowledge of himself, and made him weary and heavy laden with the burden of his guilt, a discernment of the way of salvation must be imparted, in order to buoy up the mind, and to support it under a load, which would otherwise be insupportable. Therefore the Holy Spirit operates as a Divine Agent, and the gospel as a powerful instrument, in manifesting the glorious sufficiency of Jesus Christ to the sinner, and in drawing out his soul in hope and dependance upon him. And to shew that a supernatural illumination is requisite to this end, an inspired apostle compares the power that effects it to that which commanded the light to shine out of darkness at the creation. 2 Cor. iv. 6. So that, if men pretend to any saving knowledge, and yet appear to be ignorant altogether of the gospel salvation, if their knowledge does not centre in him, and, by the Spirit’s teaching, lead to him, in whom God’s people have their all; it is evident, that the light in them is darkness. 1 Cor. xii. 3. John, xvii. 3. 3. The privilege of knowing that the gospel is of God, implies such an established persuasion of the believer’s personal interest in Christ, as quickens his affections, humbles his heart, and engages body and soul in the consecration of all their faculties to the honor and service of God.