comprehends in her views all that the Scripture utters, without attempting to wrest or pervert any truth which may bear an aspect uncongenial with the dictates of unenlightened reason. It is not possible for the creature to be more deeply humbled, than her worshippers are when confessing their sins before God. And so fervent are her petitions, that nothing can exceed them. Nor is there a petition offered, which is not presented in the name of Jesus Christ, so entire is the dependence which all her children place in the merits and mediation of that adorable Saviour. Her praises and thanksgivings are as ardent as any that words can express. So that, if a whole congregation in one of our churches entered fully into the spirit of our Liturgy, it would be a brighter resemblance of heaven than was ever yet seen upon the face of the globe.]
Let me, then, call you, as David does, to "wor- ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" —
[" Give unto the Lord the glory clue unto his name : bring an offering: come into his courts1:" and take care that your worship be such as becomes his sanctuary. Let a holy reverential awe fill your souls, whenever you draw nigh to God. Let your confessions be humble; your supplications, fervent ; your thanksgivings, devout. Have a special view to the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the whole of the service ; and think not to offer any thing to God, or to receive any thing from God, but through him, as your all-prevailing Friend and Mediator. Whether you approach God in your closet, or in the public assembly, watch over your spirit in relation to these things, and presume not to offer unto God the sacrifice of fools. Let not the consideration of your natural distance from God discourage you. Remember, that the invitation is given to the remotest Gentiles, who are bowing down to the works of their own hands, which can never profit or deliver. To you, there- fore, whatever be your state, is the invitation sent : and we are authorised, by God himself, to declare, that of those who come to him in his Son's name, " not so much as one shall ever be cast out."] Address —
1. Make a due improvement of your own privileges — [You cannot but see how highly David and his people were privileged above the benighted Heathen : yet were their blessings but a faint shadow of yours ; so much more distinct is your knowledge of God, and so much nearer is your access to him. Not any but the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies ; and he only on one day in the year : but of you, every individual may go to the very throne of the Divine Majesty, and that too every day and every hour of your lives. You are
1 ver. 8. M 2