holds the universe, as it were, "in the hollow of His hand," and that feeble race, which "cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down," but of which the Lord is not unmindful. Yes; that mighty God who is "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders," vouchsafed to visit us in our low estate, and gave, as the strongest proof of His love, His only-begotten Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Through that great oblation, once offered, we are brought nigh who were afar off. And through Him, too, He has promised that the presiding, pervading, sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit shall not be denied to those who seek them; and further, that this Spirit of wisdom and truth, of counsel and comfort, shall never be wanting to the faithful, but shall be with them alway, 66 even unto the end of the world." "Oh! that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Ps. cvii. 8.) Beloved, if you can contemplate these unspeakable benefits with cold indifference, believe me, you are still far, very far, from the kingdom of heaven: if you are even faintly affected by the wonders of the Lord, be assured, no matter what may be your worldly moral character, you are still ignorant of the malignant nature and fatal tendency of sin: its odiousness in God's sight is not felt as it should be felt you are still at enmity with Him; for you are not prepared to ascribe to Him the honour due unto His name. If such be your wretched state, let the animated appeal of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians rouse your slumbering consciences : "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead; and Christ shall give thee light." (Ephes. v. 14.) Again and again put the question solemnly to your own consciences, Are we thankful? Soon, perhaps very soon, this world, which now absorbs every thought of your mind, every feeling of your heart, every faculty of your understanding, may have passed away: the worldly projects which now exclude eternity from your view, kindling your warmest hopes and awakening all your energies, may soon appear less than nothing, and altogether vanity. Oh! then, let me beseech you not to suffer the trifles of time to cheat you of the treasures of eternity, of that blissful eternity so dearly purchased for you by the sufferings and blood of the Son of God. "Taste, and see that the Lord is gracious," a rich and never-failing source of consolation. Seek Him as the great Physician, who comes with healing in His wings" (Mal. iv. 2): seek Him, if you would find Him, in the appointed means of grace: seek Him in the secret service of the closet: seek Him in the sanctuary amidst assembled Christians. Thus shall you learn to show forth His praise, not only with your lips, but in your lives. Therefore "praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power: praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Ps. cl. 1—6.) "PRAISE the Lord, ye heav'ns adore Him; Praise Him, angels, in the height; For their guidance He hath made. "Praise the Lord, for He is glorious, Wertheim and Macintosh, 24, Paternoster-row, London. BY THE SAME. 1. The IMPRECATORY PASSAGES in the PSALMS, and the ATHANASIAN CREED. 2. CHRISTIAN JOY. 1d. 4d. 3. CHRIST the ONLY MEDIATOR. 1d., or 25 for 1s. 6d. 4. PERFECT PEACE. 2d. 5. The PROPHET JONAH. 1d. 6. The OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD. 1d. 7. "WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST?" 1d. 8. SOLOMON'S BRIDE a TYPE of the TRUE BELIEVER. 2d. 9. MINISTERIAL COUNSEL; or, the Duties of a Minister and his People. 1d. 10. "DO THYSELF NO HARM." 1d. |
