3. Direction to all —
While the words before us prophetically declare what Christ shall receive as the reward of his labours, they serve as a direction to every one that names the name of Christ : they virtually enjoin us to pay him the tribute which is so justly due. "What shall I render unto the Lord," was the reflection that in- spired the breast of David on a review of the mercies which he had experienced. And can we call to mind what our blessed Lord has done, and is yet doing, for our salvation, and not feel the liveliest emotions of gratitude in our hearts ? Are we not constrained to break forth in the language of the Psalmist, " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits ; bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless his holy name ?" Yes ; " let us abundantly utter the memory of his great goodness, and sing of his praise without ceasing." It is the most reason- able, and surely the most delightful, of all duties to exalt his name, and magnify it with thanksgiving. Let this then be the disposition of our minds, and the practice of our lives. Let us say, "Awake up, my glory, awake, lute and harp, I myself will awake right early :" "I will sing of his righteousness all the day long ; " " I will praise his name while I have my being." Then, at whatever period we shall be sum- moned into his immediate presence, we shall change our place, but not our employment ; for the song, which we began on earth, shall be continued by us to all eternity : " To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God, and the Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."