To those who answer to this character, shall Christ be a source of the richest blessings —
[Christ is " the Sun" of the spiritual world, and the one fountain of light and life to all that believe in him. He is also the Sun of Righteousness, not only as being pure and spotless in himself, but as being the Author of all righteousness, whether of that which is imputed to us for justification, or that which is imparted to us by sanctification. And how delightful was the sight of him to those who beheld him rising on this be- nighted world, to those, into whose hearts he shined with his refreshing beams ! On them he shone, not with burning rays, that dry up and wither the earth and all its fruits, but with genial warmth, " healing" the desolations of winter, and causing every herb to spring forth into life and vigour. How did the first Christians " go forth" out of a dead and carnal state, and "grow up" with astonishing rapidity and strength "as the
calves of the stall ! " Thus also, in this day, does the
light of his countenance convey healing to our souls. A sight of him removes both the guilt we have contracted, and the pollutions whereby we have been defiled ; thus " healing" at once the deadly wounds of sin, and restoring health and beauty to those who have been debased by more than leprous defor- mity. Who would not wish to bask in his beams, and to experience the full effects of his renovating power ?]
Improvement —
1. How different even in this life are the states of God's friends, and of his enemies !
[The " proud are called happy1:" but are they so? the heart-searching God declares that they have no solid peace. Nor is it possible that they can look forward to the day of judgment without much disquietude of mind. Their joys, such as they are, are " like the crackling of thorns under a pot," of short duration, and succeeded by smoke and darkness,
by spleen and melancholy But, is this the state of
God's people ? Let the text declare, and let the experience
of all the saints attest The more they enjoy of the
light of this Sun of Righteousness, the more they anticipate the blessedness of heaven.]
2. How different will be the states of God's friends and enemies in the eternal world !
[The day of judgment is called " the day of wrath," and, " the day of the perdition of ungodly menm." Alas! alas! whither shall the objects of God's vengeance flee ? How shall
1 Mai. iii. 15. m Rom. ii. 5. 2 Pet. iii. 7.
vol. x. s s