we shall have any just discernment of " the things which have been freely given to us of God1. ']
Inquire then, I pray you,
1. What light you have received from the Lord Jesus Christ —
[I ask not what proficiency you have attained in worldly knowledge; for that, however excellent, can never save the soul. But I ask, " Has God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, sinned in your heart, to give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christu?"
This is saving knowledge : this alone can save youx.
And this can be obtained from none but the Lord Jesus Christ, whose office it is to " open the blind eyesy," and to " make you wise unto salvation by faith in him." To every one amongst you, then, I say, " Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light2."]
2. How far you are reflecting around you the light
you have received —
[This is done by all the planets, moving in their orbits : and this must be done by all who profess to receive their light from Christ. All must " be as stars in his hands*:" all must "reflect his virtues'5:" and, though it must of necessity be, that " one star should differ from another star in glory," yet " must all shine as lights in a dark world c ;" and, in all who are truly and savingly enlightened, " their light will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect dayd." Let it be seen then, my brethren, by your life and conversation, " whose you are, and whom you serve." Let Christ be your pattern in all things : endeavour to "walk in the light, as he is in the lighte:" so shall you be found " children of the light and of the dayf:" and " Christ shall be glorified in you," both in this world and in the world to comeg.]
1 1 Cor. ii. 9 — 12. " 2 Cor. iv. 6. x John xvii. 3.
y Isai. xxxv. 5, 6. Matt. xi. 5. z Eph. v. 14.
a Rev. i. 16. b 1 Pet. ii. 9. the Greek, and 2 Cor. iii. 3.
c Phil.ii. 15, 16. d Prov. iv. 18. e 1 John i. 7.
f 1 Thess. v. 4, 5. ?2 Thess. i. 12.