For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. (Ps. 36.9)
Joseph Symonds,
The Case and Cure of the Deserted Soul, pp. 333-334:
The brightest star that shines most with light of comfort derives it from the Sun of Righteousness. And therefore, that they may have a sight of that dark and dismal nature of their own hearts, He shuts in His light. And then, when the soul lies in a mournful and distressed case in depths where it finds no bottom, and from whence none can deliver; when a man sees all creatures standing as dead pictures, and reckons himself past all hope, then, I say, God shows Himself to be the God of comfort by commanding light to shine out of darkness, and quieting the high and raging storms, which beat down all before them.
Joseph Symonds,
The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul, p. 120:
Communion with God brings glory, a glorying spirit, that is, it works joy and triumph in God. When the soul is carried in a holy course, presence of God is so dear, and the contentment and sweetness of His way so precious that he not only blesses his God, but he also blesses himself in his God; he sees that God is with him, and this is a sign of His favor. "For wherein shall it be known here, that I and thy people have found grace in Thy sight? Is it not in that Thou goest with us?" Exodus 33:16. And so a nobleness of spirit is begotten in him through his God, whom he finds better than a thousand worlds; he tramples upon the world, Romans 8:31, and is neither enticed with hopes, nor deterred with fears, but like a conquering champion breaks through the armies and hosts of the world. Why should a man fear the assaults of creatures when he has with him the power of the Creator? How well is he armed against all trouble who "hath the Spirit of glory and of God resting upon him," 1 Peter 4:14!
