1. By his rising in the heart he now introduces the day of salvation into the soul —
[That
' Ps. ex. i. with Matt. xxii. 41 — 46.
« John i. 1, 14. Horn, i. 3, 4. &: ix. 5, " Nnmb. xxiv. 17.
* Luke i. 78. " -Mai. iv. 2.
[That there is to be a manifestation of Christ to the hearts of men, different from that which is vouchsafed to the unregenerate soul, is certain': and St. Peter speaks of it as *' the day-star rising in our hearts'"." What kind of a mani- festation this is, may be conceived from the history of Zac- cheus, to whose soul it was made, and who experienced the instantaneous benefits arising from it". This change was by no means peculiar to him ; it is wrought in all who truly em- brace the Gospel °, though, in respect of suddenness, it may greatly vary. The distinguishing effect of this manifestation is, that the glorious character of Christ, which was before hidden from the eyes, is now distinctly seeni'; and he is em- braced, as the most valued treasure of the soul"", the ground of ineffable and eternal joy ^]
3. By his appearing at the end of the world, he will introduce eternal day —
[He will come again in his glory, and in all the bright- ness and majesty of the Godhead : and then will all remaining darkness be for ever banished. Now we " know but in part," and " see but as in a glass darkly : but then shall we see face to face." Then all the mysterious designs of God from the beginning will be brought forth to light, together with the reasons of all his dispensations : then will all the perfections of God shine forth with united splendor, not only in the work of Redemption as wrought out by Christ, but in the salvation of every individual amongst his people. And how will the wisdom of a life of godliness then appear ! Then in- deed will be consummated the happiness of man ; and God be glorified in alL]
Address :
1 . To those who have never yet beheld the glory of Christ —
[As in the days of his flesh, so in this day, it is not every one to whom the light comes, that duly apprehends it". Satan is yet successful in blinding the eyes of many '. If you have never yet seen Jesus as " fairer than ten thousand and alto- gether lovely," this is your unhappy state. O pray then that God would open your eyes, and " call you out of darkness into his marvellous light !" Till then you can have no fellow- ship
' John xiv. 21—23. "' 2 Pet. i. 9.
" Luke xix. 5, 6, 9. " Acts xxvi. 18.
P John i. 4, 5, Q, 14. & 2 Cor, iv. 6. ' Phil. iii. 7, 8. 'I Pet. i. 8.
' John i. 5, 10, 11. '2 Gor. iv. 4,
VOL. xr. E E
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ship with God, nor any hope of acceptance through the blood of Jesus ".]
2. To those who profess to know and love him —
[Happy is it for you if your profession be justified by your actual experience. But you must remember, that there are many who " smj, they are in the light, and yet are in dark- ness even until now ;" yea, they " walk in darkness, and kyiow not whither they go, because that darkness hath blinded their eyes." Would you know, who are in that state : I answer, AH they who, in the midst of a profession of religion, are in- dulging any of those tempers that are contrary to love and charity". Hear ye this, O ye censorious and uncharitable, ye proud and envious, ye fretful and passionate professors ! Talk not of the light ye have in your heads, whilst there is darkness in your hearts. Can you say of your tempers, as well as of your principles, " The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth^." If not, deceive not your own souls : if you are Children of light indeed, you must walk in the light, " even as Christ himself walked ^" But, let such be your conduct, and Christ will " give you the morning-star," even the everlasting enjoyment of his presence and glory*."]