of the Israelites, of whom, after recapitulating the peculiar favours by which they had been distinguished, it is said; "But Jeshurun waxed fat and kicked-then he forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, they sacrificed unto devils, and not to God.And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his cons and of his daughters."

Here we see the idolatry of the Jews described, as the consequence of their ingratitude for the blessings which were conferred upon them; and the Apostle, in describing the depraved state of the heathen world, both in its religion, and morality, traces it to the same, source: "Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened; professing to be wise they became fools; and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man; and to birds, and to four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves; who changed the truth of God into a lie; and worshipped

and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." When we consider these lamentable consequences, as the result of unthankfuluess and ingratitude, how important is the exhortation of the prophet Jeremiah: "Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains; and while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it. t gross darkness."

Numerous are the examples, as well as the exhortations, which are contained in the Holy Scriptures, and particularly in the book of Psatins, relating to this subject; from which it may be sufficient to extract the following: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High! to show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Let the people praise thee, O God! let all the people praise thee. Bless the Lord, O my soul! and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul! and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thy iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction: who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goods

mess, and for his wonderful works to the children of men."

The inspired writers of the New Testa ment likewise furnish us with many incitements to this duty. Christianity itself wasintroduced with," Glory to God in the highest," as an acknowledgment previously. necessary to the promotion of "Peace on earth, and good will towards men." WeAnd the mother of our Lord pouring out her soul in a grateful song of praise, which begins with this pious language: "My soul. doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour-for he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name." The Apostle Paul very pressingly inculcates an attention to these duties. In every thing," says he, "give. thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. And be not drunk with wine, wherein. is excess; but be ye filled with the Spirit: speaking to yourselves in psalms, and in hymns, and in spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;~ giving thanks always, for all things, unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God con tinually, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name."

It is not, however a formal performance of this duty that will meet with divine approbation. It must, like prayer, be theproduce of a humbled and sanctified heart.. When this is attained to, thankfulness and praise will frequently become involuntary effusions, and ascend with acceptance before Him, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift; and, as this state of mind is continued in, qualification will finally be experienced to join with that innumerable. multitude, mentioned in the Book of Revelations, who stood before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes,. saying, Salvation to our Ged, who sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb" to which sacred anthem, the whole Angelic. host returned this responsive language :"Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom,.. and thanksgiving, and honour, and power,. and might, be unto our God, for ever and, ever. Amen."

CHAPTER VIII.

On Public Worship, and the Appropriation of One Day in the Week for this Purpose.

THE Public Worship of the Almighty is a special duty of all men, who have opportu nity and ability for it. This results from the relation in which we all stand to God, as our Creator, Preserver, and Benefactor, Common benefits demand united thanksgiving and praises. A social acknowledg ment of these mercies and blessings, not only becomes us as dependent Beings, but is attended with various advantages. The rich and prosperous, when thus assembled with the poor and afflicted, and acknowledging their dependence on the same great Benefactor, may learn humility, and be led to sentiments of charity towards their fellow-creatures. The children of poverty, and distress, whilst assembled with the opulent, and joining them in solemn worship, may feel that they are all the offspring of one gracious parent; all-equally dependent on his bounty and goodness; and from those feelings, they may learn to support, with resignation and hope, that allotment which the Father of Mercies has assigned to them.