God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain him! Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool!" These, my brethren, are a few of the impressive descriptions which the inspired authors give us of that august Being to whom we this day aspire to present our devotions. Jesus Christ, in the invocation on which we are now meditating, comprehends all these ideas in one word; and, as though he would assist us, when we approach the Divine throne, in uniting the tenderest with the loftiest conceptions, he teaches us to say,-"Our Father, who art in heaven."

There is, probably, an allusion, in these words, to all the perfections of the Divine nature; but in performing the duty of prayer, we are not to contemplate those perfections abstractedly, but as reflected in the face of Jesus Christ, and softened by their association with the paternal character of the Deity.

God is a Being of infinite Majesty. The heavens are his throne; the universe is his kingdom; all intelligent creatures are his subjects; "he maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. He rules over all the children of men; and in the administration of his vast affairs, none can stay his hand, or say unto

Ꭰ

him, What doest thou?" Who can have access to these overpowering glories? Who can hope for audience at this throne? It is in meeting this difficult question, that we perceive the transcendent excellence of the christian system. The believer in Jesus Christ is able to contemplate all this magnificence without dismay, and to discern, in the Sovereign of the universe, an amiable and unchanging Father. Introduced by his gracious Intercessor, he feels that he is permitted to hold fellowship with the Maker of heaven and earth,-to present his petitions in person to the King of kings, and to enjoy the testimonies of his approbation. "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." What a union of greatness and condescension! The high and lofty One would not have us suppose that his grandeur is lessened when he stoops to hear our prayers, or that the character of a Father is incompatible with his superintendence of the universe.

While it is proper to regard the Deity as in heaven, enthroned amidst the praises of angels, we must not attach the idea of locality to his Essence; for, though he limits the visible dis

play of his glories to the world of happy spirits, yet he is essentially every where. Indeed, the term, "in heaven," seems to imply this: for, as "there is no clime so remote which is not overspread with that pavilion," so there is no spot in the universe in which he is not immediately and perpetually present. "Whither shall we go from his spirit, or whither shall we flee from his presence? If we ascend up into heaven, he is there; if we make our bed in hell, behold, he is there!" Who can enter into these reflections without perceiving the absolute importance of sincerity and earnestness in all our transactions with God? The Lord's throne is in heaven, his eyes behold, his eye-lids try the children of men." He sees our hearts, he knows what we ask for in prayer, and how far our desires agree with our petitions. It is not the solemn countenance, nor the well-arranged address, nor the punctuality of ceremonial observance, but the prevailing disposition of the mind, which he regards. If we pray, only to preserve a quiet conscience; if we regard iniquity in our hearts; if we are indifferent to the blessings we implore; he will detect, and expose, and punish our hypocrisy. But, while the thought, that God is every where, beholding the evil and the good, cannot fail to impress the reflecting mind with awe, how

6

much of consolation does it afford! It is true,' the suffering Christian may say, 'my afflictions are numerous and painful; but "my way is not hid from the Lord." "He knows the way. that I take;" he hears every sigh I breathe, and every petition I utter; he knows my anxiety to yield to his will, and to submit, without a murmur, to the chastisement of his hand!" To such a man, the Divine Omnipresence, and Omniscience, though dreadful topics to the wicked, are sources of unspeakable comfort. He perceives that he has a refuge in every place; and that his humble dwelling, the scene of his toil and his care, may be consecrated to the noblest acts of worship, and be honoured by the presence of his heavenly Father.

We are taught to address God as "Our Father in heaven," that we may indulge encouraging views of his omnipotence. "God is in heaven, and in his hand there is power and might." He ruleth in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. What horror would overwhelm the impenitent sinner, were he to bestow a few moments only of serious contemplation on this awful perfection of the Deity: were he to consider that the Being whom he regards less than all other beings, is infinitely powerful: that the Being,

whom he is every day offending and provoking, girds the winds, and rolls the flood, and hurls the thunderbolt:-that the Being whom he has made his enemy, maintains an irresistible control over the most rebellious of his creatures, and is able, by a single act of his will, to inflict immortal anguish on the daring and guilty spirits that oppose him! But with what different emotions may almighty power be contemplated by the humble Christian! To him, it is not the source of inquietude, but of peace; not of terror, but of joy; not of despair, but of confidence. In his behalf, it is the power of a God, united with the compassion of a Father. It is his support in all his weakness, and his asylum in the day of rebuke and adversity. Animated by the hope of an interest in the the guardian power of his heavenly Parent, he may extend his desires over the widest field of spiritual blessings. He may, with faith and humble assurance, pray for the pardon of all his offences; for the supplies of the Holy Spirit, for victory over sin and Satan, death and hell ; for succour and assistance in all his afflictions, and for the bliss and glory of eternity. He knows that he cannot ask for more than Divine benevolence has encouraged him to expect, or than Divine power is able to confer. His "God can supply all his need