But now, let us reverse the picture, and let our last look be on the bright aide. It was before remarked, that the Divine commandments are all of them laws of Divine and heavenly order, and that man is required to live in obedience to them, that so his spirit may be brought into a heavenly state, and thus be fitted for heaven. Let us now observe how this process goes on, with the man who is becoming regenerated.
It will be observed, as something remarkable, that most of the commandments are negative in their form. It is not said, "thou shalt do" this or that, but, more generally, "thou shalt not do:" for instance, "thou shalt not kill," "thou shalt not steal," "thou shalt not commit adultery." This is founded in a deep law of Divine order, in reference to man and his regeneration. It is to be understood, that the Lord is continually pouring forth the influences of His Holy Spirit on all,—as the sun perpetually sends forth its streams of light and heat on all created things. This image is made use of by our Lord Himself in describing the Divine operation: "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."[1] It is left to man to open his heart to this Divine influence, or not, as he will. "Behold," says the Saviour, "I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."[2] Now, the way for man to open the door of his heart, so as to receive and be blessed with this Divine influence—so as to admit the Saviour and be conjoined in spirit with Him—is, first, to acknowledge Him, to believe in Him, and to look to Him in prayer.
