attain, a disposition of mind that is little understood by the world at large, a spirit of praise and thanks- giving, not unlike to that which animates the hosts above.
1. Their occasions for praise will incessantly be renewed —
[Not a prayer they offer shall ever go forth in vain. Their access to God will become more intimate, their confidence in him more entire, their communion with him more sweet, and their communications from him more abundant. As every day brings with it fresh temporal benefits, so will their stock of spiritual blessings be daily multiplied, so that it shall appear to them as if a new series of mercies were every day begun ; a series, for the acknowledgment of which an eternity of ages would scarcely suffice.]
2. In the exercise of praise they will abound more and more —
[I say not that they will cease to pray ; for their need of prayer will never cease, till they arrive in heaven itself. But their devotions will more assume the character of praise : their view of the divine perfections will be greatly enlarged; and their sense of God's mercies be deepened, insomuch that they will see mercy in every thing, and be disposed " in every thing to give thanks." Their very trials and afflictions will be regarded as tokens of God's love, and as incentives to praise Him " who giveth songs in the night." If their tribulations be great, they will glory in them, as contributing both to their present f and eternal welfare g. Behold the Apostles just dismissed from scourging and imprisonment ! they go forth " rejoicing that they are counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's sake." Behold Paul and Silas also with their feet made fast in the stocks, whilst their backs are yet bleeding by the stripes just recently inflicted on them ! Do they mourn and weep ? No, " they sing praises unto God at midnight." Now, all this was the fruit of communion with God : and in proportion as we also live nigh to God in prayer, we shall surely find, whether in life or death, little else than occasions of praise. In whatever state we be, we shall be uttering thanksgivings to God ; yea, come what may, we shall " be still praising him."]
See, then, I pray you,
1 . The happiness of the saints — [I may appeal to you, whether the worldling has any source of joy that can be compared with this ? No, verily ; the first monarch upon earth that is ignorant of God, feedeth
f Rom. viii. 28. * 2 Cor. iv. 17, 18.