1472. J the angels' song. 235
then we say, " Go to Bethlehem," or rather, Go to the Bible, and search whether these things be not as they have been re- presented ? What would you have thought of the shepherds, if, when they had such an opportunity of obtaining satisfaction on the point, they had neglected it, and had laid themselves down to sleep ? O be not ye such yourselves. You have incomparably better means of information than they had. You may see the whole record concerning this holy Child ; his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection, his ascension, yea, you may see the union of the Godhead with his human-nature, and may read, in facts as well as in declarations, his ability to save you to the uttermost. O arise, and inquire into these deep mysteries, with all the humility and attention they demand.]
2. When convinced of the truth of them your- selves, communicate them diligently to others —
[The shepherds would not hide within their own bosoms the things they had heard and seen, but published them abroad for the information of others also11. And should you be silent? When you have so much clearer instruction to convey, should you not impart it gladly to those around you ? Remember, that if you have the knowledge of Christ as the only and all- sufficient Saviour, you are on no account to put that light under a bushel, but to make use of it that you may guide others also into the way of peace.]
3. Make them the theme of your joyful praises in the midst of your earthly business —
[" The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen0:" they forsook not their duty : but returned to it in a joyful and devout frame of mind. A discovery of the deep things of God is not intended to take us out of the situations in life which we have been called to fill ; but to make us holy, and happy in them. Let this effect be wrought on you. Neglect not your worldly occu- pations, whatever they may be ; but serve God in them, and abound in praises and thanksgivings for that which has been revealed unto you. However mean or toilsome your vocation be, care not for it ; but make it to appear, that the knowledge of this Saviour can render any yoke easy, and afford a joy which the world can neither give nor take away.] n ver. 17. ° ver. 20.