We say then, that whatever evils may, by accident, be con- nected with the blessings we have received, even though those evils should fall upon our own children, it becomes us to adore and magnify our God that those blessings are not withheld from us, but that we are privileged to possess them in our days.]
4. A mercy which should be gratefully and dili- gently improved —
[A state of peace, and a quiet enjoyment of Gospel ordi- nances, is extremely favourable for the attainment of vital godliness. So it proved to the Christian Church in its infant state ^; and so it will be to us. Do we ask, In what way we should improve the present occasion ? We answer, In the way that David and Solomon improved their ciixumstances, when God had favoured them with the blessings which are now conferred on us. David bethought him, What can I do for God ? I will build him an house that shall be worthy of his divine Majesty*". Solomon also adopted precisely the same resolution under the same circumstances^. The same holy zeal should now inflame our hearts. We are not indeed called to build for the Lord an house of wood and stone, but a house of " living stones," that shall be " an habitation of God through the Spirit" to all eternity. O see what myriads of stones there are lying in the quarry of corrupt nature, that through your instrumentality may be formed and fashioned to build the temple of the Lord. Look at the blind obdurate sons of Abraham, and see what may be done to bring them to the knowledge of that Saviour whom they have crucified. Look at the Gentile world, all lying in darkness and the shadow of death ; and see what may be done for the enlightening of their minds, and for the saving of their souls ahve. To employ our time, and property, and talents according as God shall give us opportunity, in such works, will be the best return that we can make to God for the hght and peace that we enjoy : and, if we exert ourselves diligently in these labours of love, verily we shall have reason to all eternity to say, "Was it not good, that peace and truth were in our days ? "]
e Acts ix. 31. f 2 Sam. vii. 1,2. g 1 Kings v. 4, 5.