if taken separately, might be thought to approximate rather to darkness than to light. But if the more brilliant rays were taken alone, though they might produce a glare, they would never make light. It is the union of all, in their due proportion, and in simultaneous motion, that constitutes light : and then only, when all the different graces are in simul- taneous exercise, each softening and tempering its opposite, then only, I say, do we properly resemble God.
But how shall this character be formed in us ? How shall we " be filled thus with all the fulness of our God?" Can it be effected by philosophy, or by the operation of any natural principles ? Can any thing but the Gospel of Christ effect it ? No ; no- thing under heaven ever did, or ever can, form this character, but an overwhelming sense of the love of Christ in dying for us : and it is on this account that I have endeavoured to bring this great subject before you. And, O, that it might have a suitable operation upon your souls ! Verily, it should fill the soul : it should produce in us somewhat of the effect which it is at this very moment producing in heaven. Behold both saints and angels, all of them prostrate on their face before the throne of Gody. And wherefore is it that those happy spirits are in such a posture as this ? they are all, without exception, overwhelmed with admiring and adoring views of God and of the Lamb. And should not such be the prostration of our souls also, under a sense of the incomprehensible love of Christ, as revealed in the Gospel ? Behold the seraphim in Isaiah's vision : each of them had six wings ; with two of them covering his face, as unworthy to behold the Deity, and with two his feet, as unworthy to serve him ; and with the remaining two flying through the vast expanse of heaven, to fulfil their Maker's will2. Now this is the use that we also should make of our powers : humiliation and contrition should be united with zeal, throughout our
y Rev. v. 8. and vii. 11. z Isai. vi. 2.
i i 2