George Hutcheson
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witnesse of that light.
9 That was the true light, which lightneth every man that cometh into the world.
The particular testimonies of this witnesse are intermitted till ver. 15. &c. And before John comes to speak of Christs further shining and manifesting himself, by taking on our nature; he takes occasion from what hath been said of John the Baptist, to speak some more of Christs excellencie, his manifestations and offices; first, with relation to John the Baptist, v 8, 9. Next, in reference to his ill entertainment in the world and visible Church, v. 10, 11. Thirdly, in relation to those who did receive, and embrace him. v. 12, 13.
In these verses, because many doated on John the Baptist, and some were suspitious that he might be the Messiah, Luke 3.15. Therefore John holds forth Christs excelleny as far above John the Baptist, in his manifestations of himself; he being that true Original light, who enlightens all mankinde with the light of reason and understanding, and who is the author of gracious illumination in every one who obtain that mercy; and John being but a witnesse, to point out that light. Doct. 1. It is a weaknesse incident to men, to doat, and to have over-weaning thoughts of excellent instruments, and to give them more then is their due, which would be prevented and corrected; for, there is need to clear that John was not that light, or the Messiah the fountain of light, though he was a burning and shining light, being enlightned by him, John 5.35. 2 The highest honour of a Minister, is, to be appointed a proclaimer of Christs excellency, and an instrument to hold forth Christs light, and administer the outward Ordinance, leaving the blessing to be conferred by Christ: And this honour is no more to be denied to them, then what is Christs due is to be ascribed to them; for, John was sent to bear witnesse of that light. 3. Christ is light by nature and of himself, not by participation onely, as creatures are; And whatsoever is said of him as a light, is truly and really in him, and whatsoever is borrowed from the creatures to set out his excellency, is in him really and truly, and they are but shadows compared with him; for, that was the true light, saith he, not that John was a false light, but he was light by nature, John a star and candle, borrowing light, and lighted from him; What is said of the light of truth in him, against error, of comfort against trouble, of remission, of reconciliation, &c. is really and truly to be found in him, and in him onely; and all the excellency we finde in light for the good of creatures, is far more eminently and truly to be found in him for the good of souls. 4. The efficacie and vertue of Christ, the light of his people, is, such, as he cannot onely shine on them and make them discernable, as the Sun doth on inferiour creatures, but he can shine through them, and make them to be enlightned themselves; This Sun shining can give an eye to what he shineth on; for, the true light lighteth, &c. 5. All the light that men have, is borrowed from Christ; All the light of reason and nature, that every one hath, and all the light of Arts, Sciences, and inventions, are from him; And any light of saving grace, sound knowledge, or true comfort, that any have, it is from him onely; for in all these respects he lighteth every man that cometh into the world; He giveth to all the faculty of reason and understanding; and though every man be not enlightned with grace, nor yet with special gifts and sciences that others have, yet it holds still good, that no man is so enlighned, but he who hath it from him; As when it is said, Psal. 145.14. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all that be bowed down, the meaning is not, that none who fall, and are bowed down, are let lie so, but all raised up, but that none of these are raised up or upholden, but by him only.
