We speak not of irrational beings (though they do praise him according to their ability ;) but of " man, into whose nostrils God originally breathed the breath of life0." Of all the children of Adam without excep- tion we say, that they have reason to praise their God. This is true of,
1. Those who are yet in heathen darkness —
[Innumerable are the blessings which they enjoy. The constitution of their bodies and the faculties of their souls are
fit subjects for adoration and thanksgiving The various
blessings provided for the maintenance and support of man, call
also for the most grateful acknowledgments d There is
no man whose comforts do not far exceed his deserts.]
2. Those who enjoy the light of Revelation —
[Unspeakable are the blessings with which they are favoured. The revelation given to the Jews was dark and shadowy ; yet that is spoken of as an inestimable benefit conferred upon theme: what thanks and praise then should ive render unto God for the clearer light of his Gospel ! O, what wonders of love and mercy are there revealed ! How plain is the instruction there given to all who desire to have their feet guided into the way of peace ! Whoever perishes for lack of knowledge now, must confess, that his desert of condemnation is beyond mea- sure aggravated f, and that his destruction arises solely from his contempt of proffered mercy.]
3. Those who are brought to a saving knowledge of Christ—
[What thanks can you ever render to the Lord for the bene- fits which he has conferred on you ? Think of the extent and magnitude of those blessings — - — ■ — Think how entirely you
owe them to the sovereign grace of God Think what a
difference is hereby put between you and others, not in this world only, but also in the world to come ; and not for time only,
but for eternity Will not the very stones cry out against
you, if you hold your peace ? Methinks, your every
thought should be adoration ; your every word be praise.]
We shall need no farther inducement to praise our God, if only we reflect, that,
III. The more we abound in this blessed exercise, the more exalted will our happiness be —
c Gen. ii. 7. d Acts xiv. 17.
e Deut. iv. 8. Neh. ix. 13, 14. f John iii. 19.