assuredly fulfil : it shall endure, in its full extent, to all gene- rations; nor shall " a jot or tittle of it ever fail."
And now I ask, Is there not ground for praise and thanks- giving ? Is it not rather a wonder that any who profess to be his people, can find time for any other employment?]
See, then, in this psalm,
1. What is the proper effect of religion upon the
soul —
[Religion is supposed to generate gloom. But see it in the Psalmist's own experience ; and see it in all whom he here addresses. Is this gloom or melancholy? Is it not the very reverse ? Doubtless, as far as we deviate from religion, we have need to weep and mourn : but, in proportion as we conform to it, and imbibe its spirit, it will fill us with unutterable joy. What is it that the glorified saints are now doing in heaven ? Are they not beholding all the glory of their God and Saviour, and singing his praise for all the wondrous works which he has done ? This, then, is religion in perfection : and the privilege of God's people now is, to be assimilated to them, in mind, in spirit, in employment. Be aware of this, my beloved Brethren ; and learn, not only to estimate religion aright, but to have it reigning in your hearts, and exemplified in your lives.]
2. How to attain it in perfection —
[It is not from ruminating on your own character, so much as from contemplating the character of your God and Saviour, that you are to attain this heavenly joy. Doubtless you must study well your own hearts ; else you will be strangers to humi- lity and contrition : but joy can flow only from the knowledge of your God, in all the perfections of his nature, and in all the wonders of his love. Behold then, with increasing earnestness, " the glory of your Lord, and you shall be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord."]