shall we attain " a full assurance of understanding" with respect to it.
Let this then incline us to go with one accord to Bethlehem, and to commence the pious search : yea, let the hope and prospect of so rich a benefit stimulate us to united and instan- taneous exertions.]
2. You will be disposed to communicate the joyful tidings to others —
[This was the first-fruit of the conviction which the shep- herds had received : " When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child p." And will you be contented to "put your light under a bushel ? " Will you not rather imitate the famished lepers, who when they had found the Syrian camp deserted, and a vast plenty of provisions and booty of every kind lying unpro- tected, " said one to another, We do not well : this day is a day of good tidings ; and we hold our peace : now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household*1?" You find in general, that persons are averse to speak of the great mysteries of redemption, because they have so little considered them : on the contrary, they who feel the importance of them, cannot be restrained from speaking of them : and if they be derided or menaced for their zeal, they will give the same answer as the Apostles did, " We cannot but speak of the things which we have seen and heard1'."]
3. You will abound in praises and thanksgivings to God for them —
[In this respect also the shepherds manifested the fruits of diligent and humble inquiry : " They returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them8." And shall not we feel a similar disposition, if once our hearts be duly impressed with these things? Yes: if we " muse as we ought, the fire will kindle, and at last we shall speak with our tongues1." We shall vie even with the angelic hosts in singing, " Glory to God in the highest for the peace which is brought down on earth, and the good-will that is thereby expressed towards man."
If, then, our fellow-creatures have any claim upon us for the benefit of our instructions, or God has any demands upon our gratitude for the stupendous mercies he has vouchsafed unto us, then should we search with diligence into the truths that are revealed, in order that we may be quickened to the perform- ance of our duty, and be stimulated to pay our tribute of love to man, and of praise to God.]
P ver. 17. (i 2 Kings vii. 8, 9. r Acts iv. 19, 20.
s ver. 20. * Ps. xxxix. 3.