if man condemn, God approves, the exercises of love ; and that they who "confess Christ before men shall be confessed by him before God and all his holy angels."] h
t» If this should be a subject for Christmas Day, the joy that is recommended may be contrasted with that which is so generally sought after at that season.
Luke xix. 40. / tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
THE exercise of the affections is not only approved, but applauded, when earthly things are the objects of our pursuit : but, when the soul is attracted by hea- venly objects, the livelier emotions of the mind are deemed enthusiasm ; and even gratitude itself must restrain its voice, lest it incur the censure of the world. But, whatever construction may be put upon our conduct, or whatever difficulties we may be called to encounter in the discharge of our duty, we should study to approve ourselves to God, and to render unto him the honour due unto his name. At the time of our Lord's triumphant entry into Jeru- salem " the whole multitude of his Disciples began to rejoice, and to praise God for all the mighty works that they had seena." But, acceptable as this tribute of praise was to God, it excited only envy and indig- nation in the breasts of the malignant Pharisees. They considered this display of their gratitude as a just ground for displeasure ; and therefore desired our Lord to silence them ; " Master," said they, " rebuke thy Disciples." Our blessed Lord, however, instead of rebuking, vindicated his Disciples ; and declared, that if, from any motive whatever, they should be induced to withhold their grateful acknowledgments, they would do so to their eternal shame : " I tell you," &c.
In discoursing on these words, we shall,
a ver. 37.