portrays himself in this posture, and assumes to himself this character? Know then, that whilst we are affectionately communicating our sentiments and feelings to each other, unconscious that any eye is upon us, or any ear within the reach of our voice, our heavenly Father beholds us, and notes down in his book our every word, and every thought*; and that no parent in the universe feels such exquisite delight in the most sagacious observations of his little child, as God does in the mutual communications of his believing people.]
2. That which he will manifest before the assembled universe at the last day —
[There is a day coming when " God will make up his jewels," gathering them together from every quarter of the globe ; that, being put together, each in its proper place, they may compose the crown with which the Lord Jesus Christ shall be adorned to all eternity. In that day will God search them all out : not one shall be missing ; nor shall one counterfeit be found amongst them. Amongst them will be found all who bear the character assigned them in the text, even all who " feared God, and spake often one to another" respecting the things belonging to their everlasting peace. In themselves they are unworthy of such an honour, yea, deserving rather of God's wrath and indignation : but God will spare them, not merely as a father spares a disobedient son, but as he would spare the most faithful and beloved of his children. To enter into this repre- sentation, reflect on David's anxiety for Absalom, at the very time that Absalom was come forth to dethrone and destroy him : and further reflect on the grief, the inconsolable grief he expressed, when he heard that this rebellious son was slain in battle. If he then, a mortal man, felt such solicitude to spare a rebellious and parricidal son, what must be implied in the promise of the Most High God to " spare his people as a man spareth his own son that serveth him?" Surely no evil from whatever quarter shall come unto them: when the goats are banished from his presence, the sheep shall be gathered into his fold; when the chaff is burnt up with fire unquenchable, they, as wheat, shall be treasured up in his garner ; and as his pecu- liar treasure shall they be preserved to be his joy, and glory, for evermore. They confessed him before men in this world ; and he will confess them in the presence of all his holy angels for ever and ever.]
We will yet further improve this subject, 1. In a way of advice —
[Do not rest satisfied with a religion that is altogether secret. Religion doubtless, in its sublimest actings, is secret,
k See Jer. xxxi. 18. Hos. xiv. 8. Ps. lvi. 8.