“Light is sown for the Righteous.”
By L. V. Masten
No one will contend that the light here mentioned by the Psalmist, is that light which God created at the beginning to form a part of the day; for the wicked enjoy that light as well as the righteous.—But the light that is sown for the righteous is withheld from the wicked, because they are “the children of darkness,” and not the “children of light.” Hear Solomon’s testimony on this point: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.” Prov. iv, 18, 19. The light that is sown for the righteous is that which enables the true child of God to understand the sayings and teachings of our Blessed Master, and unfolds to us those prophecies which show that Christ is soon coming to receive, and bless his chosen ones with an everlasting salvation. Says the opposer, “No man knoweth the day nor the hour,” &c. We would invite such to come out of the darkness of the world, and receive the light of truth in their hearts, and then they will be able to understand the context as well as the text they are so ready to quote. Says the Apostle in 1 Thess. v, 4, 5, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. We are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. v, 14, 16. “But the path of the just is as the shining light.” How is it as a shining light? Ans.—because Christ declares, [John viii, 12,] “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Christ has marked out the path for his followers, his light shines upon that pathway; and so long as his humble followers walk therein, and keep their eyes fixed on Him from whom the light proceeds, so long will it point the way to life and immortality. But when their eyes are turned upon the darkness of the world, they turn aside from the way—darkness enshrouds them, and they stumble and fall. Brethren, let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, that our bodies may be full of light. Let us be careful to keep in the narrow way, that is to grow brighter and brighter, and finally lead us to the bright day of redemption. We soon shall pass Time’s last way-mark. Oh, may God help us to be so faithful, that when the Golden City heaves in view, we may enter its pearly gates—clap glad hands, and “shout our sufferings o’er.” Rochester, N. Y., Dec 7th, 1853.