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Ps. cvii. 8, 9. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! for he satisjieth the longing sold, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
AMONG the various graces which characterize the true Christian, that of gratitude to God is very con- spicuous. Others indeed will confess their obligations to the Supreme Being ; but none are duly sensible of them, till they have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. When once we have " tasted that the Lord is gracious," and been impressed with a sense of re- deeming love, we shall view the goodness of God in all his dispensations ; and, not only glorify him our- selves, but earnestly desire that all should render him the honour due unto his name. This disposition was eminently displayed in David, when he penned the Psalm before us. No less than four times does he repeat the fervent wish, that men would praise the Lord : and at each time does he suggest the most ample grounds for the performance of that duty.
From his words we shall take occasion to consider, I. The duty here recommended —
Wherever a superior being is acknowledged, there a tribute of prayer and praise is considered as due to him. The light of revelation confirms this general sentiment ; and expressly inculcates thanksgiving to God as an universal duty. The manner in which the Psalmist urges us to praise our heavenly Benefactor, deserves peculiar attention : it speaks more forcibly than the strongest injunction could have done ; and intimates that praise is,
1. An indispensable duty —
[Praise is the external expression, whereby a soul, filled with admiration and gratitude, gives vent to its feelings towards its heavenly Benefactor. It is an exercise of which the glori- fied saints and angels are never weary a; and in which we enjoy a foretaste of heaven itself b Words can scarcely convey
a Rev. iv. 8, 9. b 1 Pet. i. 8. x°P? c'ettoljaopevjj.