2. It is uniform in its operation —
[The zeal of many is only occasional and partial5; but the Christian's is uniform and universal^: it has respect to every duty ; stimulating to private and personal, as well as public and official, duties. It does not, however, lay the same stress on trifles, as on the weightier matters of the law ; but proportions its exercise to the importance of the things about which it is engaged.]
That such a zeal is truly praiseworthy, will appear, while we point out,
II. Its excellence —
The text pronounces it to be " good ;" and not without reason ; for,
1. It is that which stamps a value on all other graces —
[What are the most excellent graces without this ? Faith is only a cold assent; hope, a mere doubtful expectation; and love, a general good-will, or rather, an empty name. The best of services without this is a worthless formality. But, on the other hand, the poorest and meanest service accompanied with this, is pleasing to God. The widow's mite surpassed the rich donations of the wealthy1; nor shall a cup of cold water lose its reward k.]
2. It is by that alone that we can honour God —
[Lukewarm services declare, in fact, that God is not worthy of any better testimony of our esteem; and hence it is that they are so odious in his sight1. But, if we act with zeal, we silently, yet powerfully, proclaim to all, that God is worthy of all the love and honour we can render him. God himself testifies, that if we observe the sabbath in a becoming manner, we honour himm : and the same is true of every other duty we perform.]
3. By that we may ensure success —
Exertion does not always command success in an earthly race or warfare. But in spiritual things none can fail who exert themselves with zeal in God's appointed ivay. " They
s It shews itself only in things that require little or no self-denial. h It " affects us always" not as a feverish, but a vital, heat ; not as a meteor, but as the sun.
1 Mark xii. 41 — 44. k Matt. x. 42. 2 Cor. viii. 12.
1 Rev. hi. 16. m Isai. lviii. 13.