Luke 23:9

But he answered him nothing.— Herein our Lord followed the rule observed by him as God in the administration of his moral government. He bestows on men means, opportunities, and assistances, particularly his Holy Spirit, such as, if they improve them properly, will lead them to knowledge and happiness; but these beingslighted by men, he, after waiting the due time, frequently for wise reasons shuts up from them all the springs of grace, and leaves them hopeless of that salvation which they have so long despised.