only as being the eternal fountain of light, but as enlightening the world by his doctrines and life.]
" In him," under this character, we are to " be- lieve"—
[All that he has spoken respecting his person, work, and offices, together with all his promissory, or threatening decla- rations, should be received by us without gainsaying, and be relied upon without hesitation.]
" In him" also we ought to " walk" —
[We view earthly things in the light of the material sun; and avail ourselves of its light, every step we take. Precisely thus should we act with respect to Christ, " the Sun of Right- ousness." We should view sin and holiness, time and eternity, yea, every thing without exception, in the light that he, by his word and conduct, reflects upon it. Nor should we take any one step in life, without a direct reference to his word as our rule, and his life as our example0.]
To render this injunction more impressive, let us consider — II. The arguments with which it is enforced —
There are three topics mentioned in the text, from whence we may urge this important duty:
1. From the shortness of the time that wTe shall enjoy the light —
[The Jews now had the light; but it was to be extin- guished within the space of four days. Hence our Lord 'repeatedly urges this consideration, " Walk, while ye have the light" And how strongly does this argument apply to us ! You have the light at present, yea, even greater light than the Jews enjoyed under the ministry of Christ: (for there were many subjects, which he did not fully open; and the things he did utter could not be perfectly understood, till the day of Pentecost; whereas you have Christ exhibited to you in all his glory; and the fulness, the freeness, the suitableness of his salvation constantly set before you.) But how soon may it be removed from you, or you from itd! O then, " while ye have the light, believe, and walk, in the light."]
2. From the danger we incur by disregarding the light —
[If we will not attend to the voice of Christ, a " darkness will come upon us," even " darkness that may be felt." They who never have had Christ preached unto them, are indeed in an awful condition; but by no means so awful as that of those
c 1 John ii. (i. d Rev. ii. 5. Amos viii. 11, 12,