July 21

PART III.—Malachi 4:2.

CHRIST as the Sun is distinguished also for the joy and comforts his beams diffuse abroad. It is pleasant to behold the natural sun, to bask in the warming beams of the orb of day. When he sets, all nature appears clothed in drooping melancholy, and when he arises, the hills and vales and trees, all seem to be gladdened and to rejoice. Then the animated creation bound into action, and the feathered choristers, in ten thousands diversified anthems fill the air with melody and joy. So when Christ shines into the mind, then the racking anxieties of fear and despondency are expelled, then the night of spiritual distress terminates, and then dawns the happy morning, that introduces into the heart, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost through believing; then the soul can arise and rejoice for the glory of the Lord has arisen within it. This sun is styled the sun of Righteousness. He is the fountain of all righteousness; the light which emanates from him is pure and hallowed light; the life he produces is a life of spiritual excellence, a life of holiness to the Lord. The fruit which he causes his people to bear, is fruit of righteousness, and the beauty he confers, is the reflected beauty of his own purity; and the joy which he imparts is not the foolish and carnal joy of the pleasure taker, or the prosperous worldling, but the joy of the spirit, a peace from God, and which resembles the peace he enjoys, seraphic, heavenly, and divine.

"Eternal sun of righteousness,

Display thy beams divine,

And cause the beauties of thy face

Upon my heart to shine.

Light, in thy light, O may I see,

Thy grace and mercy prove,

Reviv'd and cheer'd and blest by thee,

The God of pardoning love."