September 22

"For ye were sometimes darkness."—Ephesians 5:8.

THE verse, a portion of which is selected for our meditation, presents to our view a striking contrast between a state of nature and a state of grace.

A STATE OF NATURE IS A STATE OF DARKNESS. "For ye were sometimes darkness." However awful and affecting this description of human nature, it is universally true. Unbelievers are

In sin, the work of darkness. The man who lives in sin, whatever may be his rank or condition in the world, is living in darkness; his works are works of darkness. He shuns the light, because his deeds are evil. He walks in darkness, and is so infatuated, that he loves the darkness. How strange for men to love that which will end in their ruin, and despise that which would secure their salvation!

Under Satan, the prince of darkness. The world is divided between two potentates: Christ, the Prince of light, and Satan, the prince of darkness. Christ has his throne, and Satan has his; Christ has his subjects, and Satan has his. O how de-

25 grading for a rational, intelligent, accountable, immortal being, to be voluntarily engaged in the service of one who is seeking his eternal ruin!

Beneath God's wrath, the fruit of darkness. "He that believeth not, is condemned already; and the wrath of God abideth on him;" and there it will abide till the light of divine grace dawns on the soul. O awful thought! how many thousands are on the borders of the grave, and yet under the wrath of God!

Exposed to hell, the place of darkness. The regions of the lost are designated "outer darkness." There is the darkness of misery without one particle of happiness — the darkness of despair without one ray of hope — the darkness of sorrow without one glimmer of joy. How thankful should we be for the light of the Gospel — and how anxious to obtain the light of the Spirit!