(II.) 1. Another general cause of this darkness is _ignorance_; which is likewise of various kinds. If men know not the scriptures, if they imagine there are passages either in the Old or New Testament, which assert that all believers without exception, _must_ sometimes be in darkness, this ignorance will naturally bring upon them the darkness which they expect. And how common a case has this been among us? How few are there that do not expect it? And no wonder, seeing they are taught to expect it: seeing their guides lead them into this way. Not only the _Mystic_ writers of the _Romish_ church, but many of the most spiritual and experimental in our own, (very few of the last century excepted) lay it down with all assurance, as a plain, unquestionable scripture-doctrine, and cite many texts to prove it. 2. Ignorance also of the work of God in the soul, frequently occasions this darkness. Men imagine (because so they have been taught, particularly by writers of the _Romish_ communion, whose plausible assertions too many Protestants have received without due examination) that they are not always to walk in _luminous faith_: that this is only a _lower dispensation_; that as they rise higher, they are to leave those _sensible comforts_, and live by _naked faith_: (_naked_ indeed, if it be stript both of love and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost!) That a state of light and joy is good; but a state of _darkness_ and _dryness_ is better: that it is by these alone we can be _purified_ from pride, love of the world, and inordinate self-love; and that therefore we ought neither to expect nor desire, to _walk in the light_ always. Hence it is (though other reasons may concur) that the main body of pious men in the _Romish_ church, generally walk in a dark, uncomfortable way, and if ever they receive, soon lose the light of God.