We have several examples in the ministry of God's servants, who, in their animated expostulations, adopt language like this. The Apostle Paul, after finishing a solemn discourse to his countrymen, on the subject of Christ's redemption, makes use of the same, Acts 13:41; and what an awful darkness will that be, in which men must lie down forever, if they refuse all light to walk by, but of their own kindling; despising the light of Jesus, who is the light, and the life of the world! Oh! for grace, that it may never be the condemnation of the writer, or reader, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil! John 3:19
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Lamb of God! do I not behold thee, in this representation of the Prophet, the man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief? And though thou didst set thy face as a flint, amidst all the despisings of men, when condescending to the deepest abasement; yet, Lord, thou hadst indeed the tongue of the learned, and now, thou knowest how to speak a word in season to weary souls, as thou didst then, when thine own soul was put to grief, and it pleased the Lord to bruise thee. Oh! speak to me that sweet word, in every season, which may make me rest with full assurance of faith on thy blood and righteousness!
Why, blessed Lord, was it, that thou, who art thyself the light, and the life of men, didst walk in darkness? Wherefore wast thou deserted of the Father, when, in that unequalled season of agony on the cross, it forced dolorous cries from thy soul? Was it, dearest Jesus, that thy people might know, from thy bright example, where to look, and in whom to confide? And wast thou for a time deserted, and in darkness, that thy people might not be deserted forever? Arise, ye poor benighted souls, who now walk in darkness! Look unto Jesus, and let him be your light, and your life, and your salvation! And while others are walking in the glow worm sparks of their own confidence, do ye behold the glory of the Lord risen upon thee, whose light shall no more go down, neither cause thee to lie down in sorrow, for the Lord Jesus shall be to thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory!