[The godly are not so free from pride, but that flattery sometimes finds access to their hearts, and proves a grati- fication to their unwary minds. But in their better seasons, when their airy dreams have vanished, and they obtain juster views of themselves, they most unfeignedly lothe and abhor themselves, and desire that God alone should be exalted. To be told of their own goodness is nauseous and unpalatable : but to hear the praises of their God and Saviour, this is delightful to their souls. It is this that endears to them the Ministers of God : he who with the clearest evidence and richest unction exhibits to their view the glory and excellency of their God, will be regarded as their best friend : and every one who in sincerity labours to fulfil this office, will be " esteemed by them very highly in love for his work's sake."]
To stir up within ourselves a similar disposition, let us consider;
III. His exhortation to co-operate with him in this blessed design — He calls on all of us to unite with him in praising and adoring God : and his exhortation may well serve as an application to the foregoing subject. We ask then,
1. Is it not a reasonable employment ?
[Let any one call to mind the excellencies of God as they are described in Scripture, and then say whether it is not reason- able that we should exalt his name. But more particularly, let the wonders of Redemption be surveyed (O wonders inexpressible, and surpassing all comprehension !); let the thought of God's co- equal, co-eternal Son becoming man, of his dying upon the cross, of his living again to make intercession for us in heaven; let the thought of this being done to deliver our souls from death, and to restore us to the favour of our offended Father; let this, I say, dwell upon the mind, and we shall see at once the reasonableness of this duty, and the utter unreasonal)leness of passing one day or one hour without renewed expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving.]
2. Is it not a delightful employment ?
[Poor indeed is the mirth of this world, when compared with the joy of praising God. This is the work of all the glorified saints and angels : " they rest not day or night, saying. Holy, lioly, holy, is the Lord God of Hosts."
And if this be the employment of heaven, what must such an exercise be to us, but a heaven upon earth ? It is indeed a fore- taste of heaven, as all who have ever engaged in it are con- strained