2. Insures their punishment —
[If men did not hate the Gospel itself, there would be some hope that they might in due time embrace it, and be converted by it. If they would even come to the light in order that the true quality of their works might be made manifest, then we might hope that they would be convinced of their wickedness, and be constrained to flee from the wrath to come. But when they dispute against the truth, and rack their inven- tion in order to find out objections against it; when they indulge all manner of prejudices against the Gospel ; when they withdraw themselves from the ministry of those who faithfully preach it, and say, as it were, to their minister, " Prophesy unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits ;" what hope can there be of such persons ? Their hearts are so har- dened, that it is scarcely possible to make any impression upon them : if a ray of light do shine into their minds, they will endeavour to extinguish it as soon as possible ; they will go to business, to pleasure, to company, yea, to intoxication itself,
in order to stifle the voice of conscience, and to recover their former delusive peace. Alas ! they are not only perishing of a fatal disorder, but they reject with disdain the only remedy that can do them good : they therefore must die, because they persist in drinking of the poisonous cup that is in their hands, and dash from their lips the only antidote and cure.]
Application —
In so saying, thou reprove st us —
[Behold ! we declare unto you, that light, even the glorious light of the Gospel of Christ, is now come into the world
Ye lovers of darkness, reject not this blessed Gospel. Little can sin contribute to your happiness, even while you are most capable of tasting its pleasures : but what it can do for you in a dying hour, or in the day of judgment, it is needless for me to say. Let it not then keep you from coming to the light. Surely it is better that " your deeds should be reproved,'" while you have opportunity to amend them, than that you should continue in them till you experience their bitter con- sequences. You would not travel in the dark when you could enjoy the light of day, or refuse the assistance of a guide that would lead you into the path which you professed to seek. Only then act for your souls as you would do in your temporal concerns, and all shall yet be well. Believe in Christ, and you shall yet be saved by him ; as well from the commission of sin, as from the condemnation due to it.
Ye ivho profess to love the light, be careful to " walk as children of the light." Bring every thing to the touchstone of God's word. Try your spirit and temper, as well as your words and actions by this test. See whether you take the precepts of Christ as your rule, and his example as your pat- tern. For the sake of the world too, as well as for your own comfort, you should come continually to the light. If you would conciliate their regard for the Gospel, or remove their prejudice from yourselves, you should " make your works manifest that they are wrought in God." You should let your light shine before men, that they, seeing your good works, may glorify your Father that is in heaven.]