means of displaying the justice and hoKness of the Deity, which, if sin were unpunished, would be altogether compro- mised and eclii)sed.]
3. Her expectation ot it as certain —
[In fact, her imprecation has the force of a prediction ; a prediction which shall assuredly be accomplished in its season. Of Sisera's army not one survived : and of those who die in their sins, there shall not one be fomid at the right hand of God in the day of judgment. " Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished."]
To this she adds a prayer, II. For the advancement of all his loving and obedient people —
Well is the distinction drawn between the enemies and the friends of God. The latter are described as " those who love him^" If, between meti, we could admit a medium between love and hatred, we can by no means admit of it between God and his creatures. Indifference towards God would be constructive enmity. Those only who love him can be num- bered amongst his friends. In behalf of these, there- fore, she prays, that they may " be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might." Under this beautiful image she prays,
1. That they may shine with ever-increasing splendour —
[The sun in its early dawn casts but feeble light upon the world ; but soon proceeds to irradiate the whole horizon, and to burst with splendour upon those who but a little before were immersed in darkness. Thus, the goings-forth of those who seek the Lord diffuse at first but an indistinct and doubt- ful gleam *^: but, through the tender mercy of God, they ad- vance ; and " their light shines brighter and brighter to the perfect day^." How desirable is this to be reahzed in us! Let us so walk, my Brethren, that " our profiting may appear unto all."]
2. That they may diffuse benefits whithersoever they come —
[The sun is the fountain of Hght and Hfe to the whole world. Look at the places where, for months together, the sun never bends its course: the whole face of nature wears
e Eph. vi. 24. f Hos. vi. 3. p Prov. iv. 18.
266.1 Gideon's fleece. 23
the appearance of death : and nothing but the return of his kindlier influences restores her to life. Thus in countries where the friends of God are not found, the whole popula- tion are in a state of spiritual and moral death : but " in their lio-ht is light seen^," and from them is spread abroad a vital mfluence, to animate and fructify the sons of men. View the path of the Apostle Paul " from Judea round about unto Illyricum:" in all his way he was the instrument of " turning men from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God'." Such should we also be, my Brethren, according to the ability which God has given us, and the opportunities he aifords us: we should "shine as lights in a dark world, holding forth to all the word of life''," for the illumination and salvation of all around us.]
3. That they may reflect honour upon God in the eyes of all who behold them —
[Who ever contemplated the sun shining in his strength, and did not admire the wisdom and goodness and power of Him who created it? " The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy-work ; nor is there any speech or language where their voice is not heard'." Such should be the effect of the light diffused by the saints of God: it should constrain all to confess that " we are God's workmanship'"," and " so to shine before men, that they may be compelled to glorify our Father which is in heaven"."]
Address —
[Inquire, Brethren, to which of these classes you belong : for, however they may be confounded now, there will be an awful difference between them ere long; the one " awaking to everlasting shame and contempt"," and the other " shining forth as the sun in the kingdom of their FatherP." On the one shall the justice of God be magnified; but in the other shall his love and mercy be glorified, to all eternity^.]