an apostrophe, addressed to the Deity himself, and ascribing to him the glory due unto his name. To this portion of the hymn we would now direct your more particular attention. It declares that God is,
I. To be admired for his holiness —
God is essentially and supremely holy— [He is not only called, by way of eminence, " The Holy One," but this attribute is said exclusively to belong to him ; " Thou only art holy." As for the gods of the heathen, many of them were no other than deified monsters, patrons of lewd- ness, of theft, of drunkenness, and every kind of iniquity : and anions the rest there was not found even the smallest sem- blance of real universal holiness. Well therefore might the challenge be made in reference to this, " Who among the gods is like unto thee, O Lord ?" This attribute is, in fact, the crown of all the other attributes of the Deity ; for, without it, no other perfection could be either amiable in itself or worthy of the Supreme Being. But, without entering into the general view of this subject, we need only look at the " wonders done " on this occasion ; and there we shall see a display of this attribute in its most striking colours. Behold his indignation against sin, how it burned against the oppressors of his people, and the contemners of his authority! The very elements themselves were made to rise against the proud associates in iniquity, and to execute upon them the vengeance they deserved ]
For this he is greatly to be admired and glorified — [No other perfection more attracts the attention of all the glorified saints and angels in heaven, than this0. And, not- withstanding it is hateful and terrific to impenitent sinners, it is an object of the highest admiration amongst those who have learned to appreciate it aright. David was altogether enrap- tured with itd; and every real saint will " give thanks at the remembrance of ite" ]
Whilst he is thus admired for his unspotted holi- ness, he is also,
II. To be feared for his power —
God is a God of unrivalled power —
[The gods of the heathen cannot hear, or see, or movef: but the power of Jehovah is infinite. What less than omnipo- tence could have performed the "wonders" which are here
c Compare Isai. vi. 3. with Rev. iv. 8. d Ps. xcix. 3, 5, 9.
e Ps. xxx. 4. See an animated description of their imbecility, Jer. x. 3—7.