is set forth throughout all the sacred oracles, by prophets'^,
by Apostles^, and more especially by himself^ We may
well therefore apply to him the comparison before us : and we shall find it admirably descriptive of his real character.]
He is to the spiritual, what the sun is to the ma- terial, world —
[The sun is " the fountain of light and life " to this lower world. When that is withdrawn, the earth is left in darkness, the vegetable world decays, and myriads of animals are secluded in a state of torpor. But when it returns in its brightness, it both dispels the darkness, and restores to nature
her suspended powers
Thus, where Christ has not shined,' universal darkness and death prevail. But when he arises on the soul, he enlightens it, and infuses into it a principle of hfe^, whereby its faculties are made capable of spiritual exertions ; and it is rendered " fruitful in all the fruits of righteousness to God's praise and glory" ]
We have abundant encouragement to seek his in- fluence, since,
II. They who live in communion with him shall surely participate his blessings — As the sun shines in vain to him who secludes himself in a dungeon, so, unless we come forth to *' Christ's light, we cannot possibly behold his light." But if we view him as we ought, we shall then attain the light of knowledge, the light of comfort, the light of holiness, the light of glo?'t/.
1. Our minds shall be enlightened with divine knowledge —
[By the light of the sun we behold the objects around us; and by the light of Christ we discern the things belonging to our peace. In his face all the glory of the Godhead shines^, insomuch that he who has seen him, has seen the Father also'. Nor is there any one subject relating to salvation which does not receive its clearest illustration from him — ]
2. Our souls shall be enriched with heavenly comfort —
[The consolation we derive from other sources is light and unsubstantial : and the things which promise us most
^ Isai. Ix. T. Mai. iv. 2. ^ Johni.4,9. Lukeii.32. 2Pet. i. 19. f Johnviii. 12.andxii. 46. s Eph. ii. 1. h 2 Cor. iv. 6. Col. i. 15. ^ John xiv. 9.