[What employment have we for our breath that can be compared with this? Doubtless there is much happiness in social converse : but this is nothing in comparison of that which
is enjoyed in converse with our God The language of
prayer is delightful to every humble soul ; but the language of praise is an anticipation and foretaste of heaven itself. In heaven there is no other employment, nor will there be to all
eternity g It is not possible for a man to be otherwise
than happy whilst he is blessing and praising God. This is not an occupation in which a mind discontented or disconsolate can engage : there must of necessity be peace, and love, and grati- tude, and joy ; yea, in proportion as the praise is ardent, there must be, as the foundation of it, an admiring, an adoring, an overwhelming sense of the Divine goodness.]
Application —
[Let not any of you say, This employment is not for me : for it is the duty of " every thing that hath breath." There is no creature in the universe so afflicted, but he has encourage- ment to pray, and scope for praise Some have an idea,
that nothing but sighing and mourning are suited to their con- dition ; and that the voice of praise and thanksgiving is for those only who have attained a fuller assurance of their acceptance with God. But they might as well say, that gratitude was not their duty, as, that they were not called upon to express their gratitude in the language of praise. Know, Brethren, that " whosoever offereth God praise, glorifieth him :" and, his desire is, that every mourning soul should " put off his sack- cloth, and gird him with gladness." I would not discourage humiliation : for I well know that it should ever be an associate of our sublimest joys : but this I would say to all; That Christ came to "give unto them the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;" and that, in the experience of this, they shall approve themselves " trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, in whom he will be glorified." To every creature then, without exception, whether high or low, rich or poor, old or young, I would say with David in a foregoing psalm, " Praise the name of the Lordh;" yea, begin and close your every service with " Hallelujah, Hallelujah."]
s Rev. v. 13. !l Ps. cxlviii. 11 — 13.