Verse 23. But when those who are in such an obscure state, as to good and as to truth, are sensible that the love of dominion prevails, using the letter of the Word as a means of exercising authority, they apply their understandings to the letter of the Word in a state of watchfulness, even by means of natural reason which is the gift of the Lord, and natural affection, which has no power from truth, as well as by truths teaching repentance and by those teaching obedience under sorrow.