2. With an ardent desire for the manifestation of
them to the whole world —
[However persuaded we may be of our own interest in these things, we should not be satisfied without seeing the whole world brought to the knowledge of them. We have a debt to God, and a debt to our fellow-creatures also : to Him, to glorify his name ; to them, to diffuse as widely as possible among them the blessings of salvation. On both these accounts, if there be a promise in God's word to extend this kingdom, we should say "Amen " to it. If there be a proposal amongst men to aid its extension, we should add " Amen " to it : and to every effort that is made, in whatever way, we should say " Amen, and Amen." We should long for the time, when " there shall be but one King upon all the earth, and his name One ° ; " when " the whole earth shall be filled with his glory," and " all flesh shall see the salvation of God."]
But, in EXAMINING ourselvcs in relation to these things, have we not need to be ashamed ?
[How Kttle sense have we had of these wonders ; and of God's glory or man's happiness, as connected with them ! If we might but be saved ourselves, it has been, with the gene- rality amongst us, of little moment whether God's glory were ever revealed to others, or his salvation experienced by others. Basely selfish as we have been, we need, every one of us, to be humbled in dust and ashes. O that we could imbibe a better spirit! Dear Brethren, let us henceforth determine, like David, to meditate on the wonders of God's love p, -and to recount them gratefully with songs of praise 'i. Permit me to call upon you to bear your part, and to unite with me now in this blessed work. With Da\id, I would say, " Blessed be thou. Lord God of Israel, our father, for ever and ever ! Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name'." Having thus set them the example, " David said to all the congregation. Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped ^" O that I might be alike successful! O that this whole congregation might resemble them ! Verily, if you considered what a mercy God has vouchsafed unto you, in
0 Zech. xiv. 9. p Ps. Ixxvii. 11 — 13.
1 Neh. ix. 5 — 24. Here the whole series of mercies, from the first election of the seed of Abraham to their complete establishment in Canaan, is distinctly mentioned, and might be very briefly noticed.
' 1 Chron. xxix. 10, 11, 13. ^ 1 Chron. xxix. 20.