* That is from avTi and 'irisidTaaig — G.
THE CnRISTIAN WORK. 29
1. First, We know this creature of li.i^ht is an excellent creature, shewing the excellency of all other creatures ; and it is a beautiful creature. Thus is the word, and children of God. By it all the world is discovered to be as Egypt, and the church to be as the land of Goshen.- And this is beauti- ful in the eyes of God, who loves that which is like himself. He is liwht indeed, and nothing but hght is lovely to him. He loves those sparks which our natural corruption hath left unto us ; and therefore much more the light of his own Spirit which he places in us.
2. Secondly, Light is pure, and admits of no contagion, though it be in the most contagious places of all. So is the word : it is pure, and makes us pure and sincere, and that we should not be defiled with the lusts and cor- ruptions of this world wherein we converse.
3. Thirdly, Lifiht makes us to discern of differences.. It shews itself, and discovers other things. Thus doth the word shew^ itself where it is, and the man that hath it doth discern of things that ditfer. He judges of the wicked, and censures their lewd courses. The child of God is above all wicked men, and themselves are justly judged of none ; for the wicked men cannot judge of those that are lights, no more than a blind man of colours, for they are blind by nature. The world would indeed censure them, when indeed they cannot discern themselves, when contrarily he discerns himself and knows his infirmities and his slidings.
4. Again, Light is a heavenly quality. So is the word of God, holy, pure, transforming godly men to its own likeness, to be heavenly. His bread is from heaven ; his affections, desires, thoughts, endeavours are heavenly. His way is upward. He is heavenly-minded ; while he is on earth he is in heaven.
5. Moreover, Light is a most comfortable thing in darlaiess, expelhng terrors and discomforts. Thus is a Christian that is enlightened b}^ the word. Terrors are in the word, but the M'ord comforts the heart of a Christian. It makes him able to judge of his way and estate ; to know he is the Son of God ; that all the promises are his ; that heaven is his ; that he hath God's mark, Contrarily, the wicked have no light at all ; for while they live here their life here is as a death, full of discomfort ; they having no comfort in anything, save a little glimpse of false joy in the creatures ; which when they leave them they are in the more terror, — all their comfort being in this, that they see not that miserable estate before they fall into it and feel it.
6. Furthermore, Light makes a thing full of evidence. All the world cannot persuade a man contrary to that they see. Thus the word so dis- covers to us our estates in grace, and so surely as all the world can never shake the foundation of our faith. ' Though he kills me,' saith Job, ' I will trust in him,' Job xiii. 15. But for the wicked, their life is full of stag- gering, full of doubtings ; and hence is it that the children of God are counted by God holy, pure, comely, fair and dear, because they live with a resolution. The papists, they will tell us that the word is obscure ; let them tell us the light is obscure, for wo may as well believe one as the other.
7. But to proceed : Light is a quality of surest wodon. It spreads suddenly. Thus do the children of God. They communicate to others. They shine, spreading forth the grace, first of all to those that are next them, as children and friends, then to such as are further ofi'. Those that have
* Cf. Exodus s. 23.-G.
30 TUE cnmsTiAN work.
not this nature, that tlo not desire to do good to others, they arc not children of the hght ; for it is the nature of all good to communicate.
8. Litfht, wo know, hath a secret hijlnence wheresoever it is. Thus also ia the gi'ace of God in his children. It is ever operative and working. What light soever they receive from the Sun of righteousness, they diffuse it and spread it to others, like the moon ; and therefore he adds fm'ther :
' As lights in the world.'
We that are ' lights in this world,' we are, it is true, in a dampish place, yet must we shine, though but dimly. Therefore ministers, let them look both to their doctrine and life, for they are great lights, or at the least should be so, and they will be noted. We know when the sun or moon are eclipsed. We all observe it as a wonder. And thus will it be with such lights as ministers should be. Men continually eye them. If they be eclipsed, it will be wondered at and observed of all. Let therefore not only ministers but others also look to themselves, that they take heed of those things that will eclipse them. We know whence the eclipse in nature of these heavenly bodies do come ; from the interposition of dark, gross, earthly bodies. Thus it is with God's children. Their cares, griefs, and studies in this world being ever more carnal than is meet, they eclipse us and make us dark, keeping us from the presence of that light which should enlighten us. But especially, and above the rest, self-love, that blinds us and eclipses all other lights from us.