2. That the efficacy of the Gospel should be uni- versally experienced —
[In two views especially is the efficacy of the Gospel seen, namely, in comforting, and sanctifying all who embrace it. To what unspeakable comfort it raises an afflicted soul, is
declared at large by the Prophet Isaiah b; as its
sanctifying power is by the Prophet Jeremiah c : and
in both views it is "for a name of joy, a praise, and an honour, before all the nations of the earth d." Its effect is uniformly to change a wilderness into a fertile garden e; and to fill with the choicest shrubs the ground that was covered only with briers and thorns f. Conceive this change effected in any place, What honour must accrue to that which causes the change, and what blessedness to the place where such a change is seen ! Would not such a spot be as Goshen in the midst of Egypt? Such then is the Church, wherever the Gospel comes in its power ; and such will the Church be in the whole earth, when once it shall have attained its destined extent and eminence. And is not this an object to be desired by all? Truly, if we have one spark of love to our fellow-creatures, or of zeal for God, we should look forward to that event as the consummation and completion of all our wishes.]
That object,, then, being so desirable, let us con- sider,
II. In what way we should all endeavour to pro- mote it —
All may be instrumental in helping it forward :
1. Ministers — [They are "watchmen set on the walls of Jerusalem," and are commanded " not to hold their peace day nor night." In this expression there may possibly be a reference to those under the law, who ministered in the sanctuary by night as well as by dayB. Whether their " not holding their peace," refers to any public addresses, which, under the Gospel, are to be made from day to day by those who sustain the office of the ministry, we do not certainly know : but we are sure that it compre- hends at least, if it do not exclusively relate to, the great work of intercession ; in which ministers ought exceedingly to abound. Whatever personal efforts they may make, they can do no good, if God himself do not interpose to make their work effectual : " Paul may plant, and Apollos water ; but
b Isai. lxi. 1 — 3. c Jer. xxxiii. 6 — 8. d Jer. xxxiii. 9.
e Isai. xxxv. 1, 2. and li. 3. f Isai. lv. 13.
s Ps. cxxxiv. 1.