the gate of heaven." Know of a truth, that one ray of the Sun of Righteousness is sufficient to dispel all the gloom and darkness of the most afflicted soul : and, if only you will direct your eyes to Him, how- ever your afflictions may have abounded, your con- solations shall much more abound.
I trust there are not wanting here some who can bear testimony to the truth of these things by their own experience ; and who, from the discoveries which they have received of the Saviour's love, " are filled with peace and joy in believing" To such then will I say, Bless and magnify your God with all the powers of your souls : " let the children of Zion be joyful in their King;" let them "rejoice in the Lord alway ;" " let them " rejoice in Him with joy unspeak- able and full of glory." At the same time, even whilst they are, as it were, "at the very gate of heaven," let me particularly caution them against that kind of joy which is tumultuous, and that kind of confidence which borders on presumption. There is a holy fear, which is rather increased than dissi- pated by heavenly joy ; and a solemn awe, that always accompanies the manifestations of God to the soul. Observe the state of Jacob's mind on this occasion : " He was afraid ; and said, How dreadful is this place ! this is none other but the house of God ; this is the gate of heaven." Thus blended in its nature, thus tempered in its exercise, thus chas- tised in all its actings, should our joy be. It is of great importance that we should all remember this : for there is amongst the professors of religion much joy that is spurious, much confidence that is unhal- lowed. We may have great enlargement of heart ; but we must " fear and be enlarged :" we may pos- sess much joy; but we must " rejoice with trembling." Even in heaven itself the glorified saints, yea, and the angels too, though they have never sinned, fall upon their faces before the throne, whilst they sing praises to God and to the Lamb. Let such then be your joy, and such your sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.
46.] Jacob's vow. 239
But let not all your gratitude evaporate in unsub- stantial, though acceptable, emotions. Think with yourselves what you can do for Him, who has done so much for you. Say with yourselves, " What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits ?" Think how you may improve your mercies for the good of your fellow-creatures, and the honour of your God. Of Jacob it is said, " He rose up early in the morning, and took the stone and raised it for a pillar." Let it be thus with you also : lose no time in honour- ing your God to the utmost of your power. Account all you have, whether of wealth or influence, as given to you for that end. Determine that those who are around you shall have before them the evidences of true piety, and such memorials as shall, if possible, lead thern to the knowledge of the true God. Jacob had it not in his power at that time to do all that his heart desired : but he did what he could ; and twenty years afterwards, when his means of honouring God were enlarged, he executed all his projects, and per- formed the vows which he had made. Thus let your desires be expanded to the uttermost ; and then fulfil them according to your ability. So shall you have within yourselves an evidence that God is with you of a truth ; and having been faithful in a few things, you shall be rulers over many things in the kingdom of your God.