us ; and least of all, when we consider that the loaves were multiplied for multitudes who had flocked to him from mere curiosity, shall we be astonished at any thing which he may do for us, his stated followers, and his chosen Disciples. Yes, brethren, we are to bear in mind what God has done, and from thence to conclude what he will do ; and never to entertain a doubt but that his grace, in every possible point of view, whether as acting in us or exercised towards us, shall be sufficient for us.]
2. What is the proper expression of our gratitude — [If God have shewn mercy to us of any kind, either in a way of providence or of grace, we are not to be wrapt in won- der, as though he had exceeded all that his proper character had taught us to expect. This would be a very unbecoming way of shewing our gratitude. Suppose a man of known piety and wealth were to relieve a poor family by bestowing on them a few shillings ; and all the neighbours who heard of it were to be astonished beyond measure at this act of kindness ; would their astonishment reflect any honour on the person so greatly lauded ? Would it not shew, either that the persons did not know his character, or that, at least, they were ignorant of what true piety requires ? If they knew the man, instead of being filled with wonder at this exercise of his benevolence, they would only say, He has acted like himself, and in a man- ner worthy of the high character he sustains. Thus, whatever we may receive from God, we must not be filled with wonder ; but regard his mercies as a proof and evidence that He is what he has described himself to be, sovereign in the objects of his choice, and unbounded in the communications of his love. In admiration of his goodness we may abound as much as we will : indeed it is not possible to have our souls too deeply penetrated with admiring and adoring thoughts of God : the more we resemble the heavenly hosts in this respect, the better : they, both saints and angels, are all prostrate upon their faces be- fore the throne of God, in profoundest adoration : and such should be our posture at the throne of grace, every day, and all the day long. In holy activity, too, there can be no excess : we may serve God with every faculty we possess, whether of body or soul. It is wonder only that must be excluded ; be- cause that is no better than a compound of ignorance, forgetful- ness, and obduracy, and is therefore altogether unsuitable to express our unbounded obligations to Almighty God.] Application —
1. Are any of you involved in trouble and per- plexity ? See in whom you have help —
[You, when proceeding in the path of duty, may meet with storms and tempests, even as the Apostles did, when prosecuting