SERMON X.
EXTRACT I.
Emptying the mind.
"He made it an ultimatum with his disciples to wait in deep humiliation of soul, till all creaturely things were swallowed up in oblivion in their minds. For till the vessel is empty, it is not fit to entertain the Holy Ghost, the light, life, and Spirit, of God Almighty. It must be first emptied of all combustible matter before man can be brought into a state to be taught true knowledge." p. 231.
Where did the Lord Jesus make this ultimatum; or teach the doctrine of the necessity of thus "emptying the vessel?" Is it not by the reception of the Spirit and the word, that the mind becomes enlightened; and filled with the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus? The light and truth of the Gospel, must chase away darkness and error from the mind of fallen man. The carnal mind is enmity itself, against spiritual light and truth; and it is only by the influence and power of the Holy Spirit, that the enmity is done away, and inclination for the light and truth of revelation is produced.
See under Ser. II. Ex. 7; Ser. V. Ex. 2; Ser. VI. Ex. 1; Ser. VII. Ex. 1, 2.
