command given to them to " be faithful unto death," is equally to be regarded by us : for the same conduct will be observed by the Judge towards men of every age and nation ; " he will confess those before his Father who have confessed him in the world," and " deny before his Father those who have denied," or been ashamed of him1.]
But the text instructs us also, II. In what manner we should worship him —
We cannot doubt but that Adam and his pious offspring maintained the worship of God both in their families and their closets : but till the human race were considerably multiplied, there was no occa- sion for what may be called public worship. But when the families became so numerous that they were obliged to separate, then it was necessary to call them together at stated times and seasons, that, by forming different congregations, they might all receive instruction at once, and keep up in their minds an habitual reverence for God.
The necessity for public ordinances is obvious; and the benefit arising from them is incalculable.
1. They preserve the knowledge of God in the
world —
[There is reason to fear, that if there were no public ordi- nances of religion, the very name of God would be soon for- gotten. Notwithstanding the establishment of such institutions, the generality are " perishing for lack of knowledge : " dark- ness has overspread the land, even a darkness that may be seen and felt m. But there is some light shining in the world ; and that is diffused almost exclusively by the public ministry of the word. Occasionally, God is pleased to instruct men by his word and Spirit, without the intervention of human agents : but, as he has set apart an order of men for the express pur- pose of propagating his truth, so he delights to honour them as his instruments to convey his blessings to the world". Doubtless he vouchsafes his blessing to those who read and pray in secret, provided they reverence, as far as their circum- stances admit, his public institutions : but never did he, from the foundation of the world, impart his blessing to those who
i Matt. x. 32, 33. Mark viii. 38. m Exod. x. 21. with Isai. ix. 2.
n Compare Zech. iv. 11 — 14. and 2 Cor. iv. 7. with Acts viii. 26—39. and x. 9—44.