3. From the connexion which there is between
their prosperity and his glory —
[When God threatened to extirpate Israel for their heinous provocations, Moses urged on God the consideration of his own glory, which would suffer, if that threat were carried into exe- cution1". On the other hand, God's honour is represented as greatly advanced by their welfare. If they flourish as " trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lords," and " bring forth much fruit, God is glorified1." Hence, in the book of Psalms, this consideration is urged with earnest importunity as a plea for speedy and effectual relief: " Help us, O God of our
11 1 Cor. vi. 20. « 1 Pet. ii. 4, 5. k Eph. v. 32.
1 John xv. 4, 5. m Eph. v. 30. n 1 Cor. vi. 17.
0 Col. hi. 4. and Gal. ii. 20. P John xvii. 21.
9 1 Cor. xii. 12. r Exod.xxxii.il — 13. Numb. xiv. 13 — 16. s Isai. lxi. 3. 4 John xv. 8.
salvation, for the glory of thy name; and deliver us, and purge away our sins/or thy names sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their Godu?" In a word, as children by their conduct may reflect either honour or disgrace upon their parents according as that conduct may deserve, so God himself participates in the honour or disgrace of his people ; "being blasphemed," when they violate their duty x ; and lauded, when they approve themselves faithful in the discharge of ity.]
This point being clear, let us consider,
III. The use which we should make of it in our addresses at the throne of grace —
We should plead with God precisely as the Psalmist does in the words of our text. Whatever be the pressure under which we labour, whether it be from men or devils, we shall do well in offering up this prayer, " Arise, O God, and plead thine own cause."
[Let us suppose a person bowed down with a sense of sin, and an apprehension of God's heavy displeasure : Is that a case wherein this plea may be urged ? Yes, assuredly ; for so it was urged by the Church of old, in language peculiarly strong, and, I had almost said, presumptuous : " We acknow- ledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers : for we have sinned against thee. Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake ; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory : remember, break not thy covenant with usz." Precisely thus, however, may we also address the Father of mercies : for he has covenanted to receive all who come to him humbly in his Son's name ; and if he should cast out one, he would violate
his covenant, and " disgrace the throne of his glory"
In like manner, if we are suffering under persecution, we may come to God in this very manner, and entreat him to plead his own cause : " Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me : fight thou against them that right against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help : draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that
persecute me : say unto my soul, I am thy salvation
This thou hast seen, O Lord ; keep not silence : O Lord, be not thou far from me ! Stir up thyself, and awake to my judg- ment, even unto my cause, my God, and my Lord*." There can be no situation whatever, where this plea is not proper ; nor any in which it shall not prevail, if it be offered in humility and faith ]
u Ps. lxxix. 9, 10. x Rom. ii. 4. y 1 Pet. iv. 14.
z Jer. xiv. 20, 21. * ps. xxxv. j_3j o2, 23.