It further shews us,
II. What an union there is between piety and phi-
lanthropy—
[The Jews were represented by their enemies as haters of mankind. But this was in no respect apphcable to the godly among them. What could exceed the love of David towards the Gentile world ? We cannot conceive greater earnestness than is expressed for their welfare in this psalm. David seems scarcely to think that he himself is blessed, whilst the Gentile world remain destitute of any share in his blessings. This philanthropy was the fruit of his piety : and wherever true piety exists, it will shew itself in a concern for those who are afar off from God, and perishing in their sins. All piety that is devoid of charity, is a mere name, a phantom, a delusion. " If," says an inspired Apostle, " we see our brother have need, and shut up our bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in us ?" And if this be true in relation to his temporal wants, how much more is it respecting the wants of his soul ! We wish all then to judge of their piety by this touchstone : see what measure of compassion you have to your perishing fellow-creatures : see what pleasure you have in con- templating the future accession of the Gentiles to the faith of Christ ; what efforts you make to promote it ; and what earnestness you have when praying for it at a throne of grace. These things vnll lead you into a considerable degree of self- knowledge : for be assured you know but little of the sa\dng efficacy of Christ's blood, or the sanctifying efficacy of his grace, if you are not longing and labouring to bring others to a participation of your blessings.]
We may further learn,
III. What encouragement we have for missionary exertions —
[If nothing had been spoken in the Scriptures respecting the conversion of the heathen, we might well sit down in despair and say. It is in vain to attempt so hopeless a work. But when we look into the Scriptures and see how continually this subject is brought forward, and with what confidence it is declared, we should make no account of difficulties, since " with God all things are possible." Ezekiel might have objected to the commission given to him to preach to dry bones : but he knew that dry bones could live, if God should be pleased to breathe life into them''. Thus may we engage in missionary labours, assured that God will fulfil his own word, and crown our endeavours with success. Indeed
<^ Ezek. xxxvii. 1 — 14.
609.J THE END OF CHRISt's ASCENSION. 493
the time for the full accomplishment of his promise seems fast approaching; and "■ the fields appear already, as it were, white unto the hai-vest." Me thinks the heathen in divers countries are saying to us, not by their necessities only, but by their express desires, " Come over to us, and help us!" And shall we be backward to impart the knowledge with which we are so highly favoured, and the salvation which we profess to glory in ? It is obvious enough, that they cannot learn unless they be taught; " nor can they hear, without a preacher." Let not difficulties then dismay us : but let us go forth in the strength of the Lord God, and look to him to accompany his word with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven : then may we hope that Satan's empire shall be destroyed, and that the promised kingdom of our Redeemer shall be established on its ruins.]