The heart of man, by nature, is a fortress of satan, a den of thieves, deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. In regeneration, when the holy Spirit makes his entry, the strong man armed is driven from the seat he has usurped, and a war commences between corrupt affections and the holy nature which the new-birth produces. Possessed of the soul, the Spirit proceeds to work in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure. He teaches us the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and influences to deep repentance, holy caution and habitual mortification. He teaches us our need of salvation, and then takes of the things of Christ and shews them to us. The soul is filled with unutterable transport, surprise and gratitude, on finding itself at the margin of a fountain open for sin and for uncleanness.

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