This is a very pretty idea, nor is it at all contrary to reason any more than the cloud that followed the Israelites which contained a shade, a fire, darkness, and light at the same time. Yet the word of God is true, and to that we must adhere. As light without the sun was first formed, so it appears the great Creator collected these particles of light into one body, the Sun. The language of scripture often expresses the appearance of things to us, such as the Sun rising and setting, which at the same time, perfectly in the main point, agreeing with the Newtonian System of Philosophy. Did light appear first? was it not to notice the dispensation for the four first thousand years, till on the fourth day the Sun of Righteousness should appear? Was it not an emblem of all the light the Church of God has now, till the second appearance of the Son of God in our nature, and of that light which we have till the Saviour shines upon the soul, with healing in his beams? We have light to see ourselves and his glory, but we want him to shine with power, then we shall _be light in the Lord_, till then, light and darkness must struggle together; and God divided them, to shew the difference between the Law and the Gospel—between the Flesh and the Spirit, between the Church and the World—between the Elect and the Reprobate—Christ and Anti-christ. See the light and darkness struggling; see it soon begins in Cain and Abel, and to this day it continues, and will for ever. The Elect and Reprobate are divided in election, in redemption, in calling, in principles, in practices, in death, judgment, and eternity. May this subject lead you and me to the Saviour, who is the light, the beauty, purity, loveliness, and glory of the Church. O may we see him, love him, adore him, and enjoy him, till we behold him in Heaven. Permit me to notice further, that the Holy Ghost is pleased to represent various characters and things by these same terms, Sun, Moon, Light, and Stars,—which is really worthy our attention. He sets forth the Lord Jesus by that well known emblem, the Sun, and I think it is the finest figure in nature; and hence that very precious promise to those who are the called according to his purpose, _Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his beams_. Eternal sun, whose morning measures all our days, who hast gradually risen on my dear friend’s heart, shine brighter to perfect day, even to that blessed meridian when in our flesh we shall see God. Sometimes the moon, in scripture, signifies the Church of God as inferior to Christ, the glorious sun, from whom they borrow all their light and truth; their frames and feelings inconstant, spotted in their hearts and lives, which is the cause of much grief to their souls, yet they are the light of this lower world, and their influence is great on the sea of this troubled state.