364 PSALMS, evil. 1 — 3. [409.
people be "." In considering the diiFerent images, we shall notice both the temporal and spiritual deli- verances which they severally refer to : but at pre- sent we shall wave all reference to them, and notice only the great work of Redemption, as set forth in the words before us ; wherein we see,
I. The duty of all to give thanks to God —
Consider,
1 . The grounds of it —
[Wherever we turn our eyes, we cannot but see that " the Lord is good." Survey the heavenly bodies, and contemplate the benefits derived from them: view the earth with its innume- rable productions for the good of man : examine your corporeal frame, and think how every part performs its office for the benefit of the whole: above all, reflect on the powers and faculties of our immortal souls, and mark how by them we are elevated above all the rest of the creation, and fitted for an infinitely higher state of existence in the presence of our God : and then say whether we have not reason to proclaim the goodness of our
God
But the " mercy" of our God is yet, if possible, a more stu- pendous object of admiration ; because goodness manifested itself to us in innocence ; whereas mercy is exercised towards us under an inconceivable load of guilt. Think how it was di!>played to man at first, in promising him a Saviour : think how it wrought in due time, in sending that Saviour into the world, even the eternal Son of God, and in laying all our iniquities on him. Think how it has shewn itself to every individual amongst us, in bearing with all our iniquities, and in following us with offers of a free and full salvation. Think how it has lasted towards the children of men, and how it shall last towards all who embrace its gracious offers. Surely if our minds were affected as they ought to be with this wonderful subject, we should never cease to praise and adore our God ]
2. The duty itself —
[" O give thanks unto the Lord " for these things, all of you, old and young, rich and poor, one with another ! If there be one amongst us that has not participated in these benefits, we will be content that he shall be silent: but the very circum- stance that we are still on mercy's ground is abundant evitlence that we have reason to join in one universal song of praise and thanksgiving. Think of the fallen angels, who never had a Saviour provided for them : think of the millions of the human race who never heard of the Saviour that has been provided for
them, « Gen.xlix. 10.