[Were it proclaimed abroad, that, at a certain time and place, all who would come should assuredly meet the Lord Jesus Christ, in the very body that he possessed on earth, no church in the universe would be large enough to contain one half of the people who would be assembled together. Yet, what would it be to see him with our bodily eyes, in compa- rison of seeing him by faith, as we do in his house of prayer ? Dear brethren, those who beheld him in the flesh, were not near so highly privileged as you, who " behold the glory of God shining in his face" through every page of his blessed Gospel. O estimate your privileges aright; and you will account the ordinances of the Gospel precious beyond the powers of language to express.]
2. What improvement we should make of social converse —
[We should endeavour, not so much to amuse, as to edify our friends. Do but think what is here promised, that " if only two be agreed respecting what they shall ask, they may obtain it by their united supplications." I almost wonder that, with our friends, we can find time to talk of any thing but our mutual wants, or to occupy ourselves in any thing but united supplications. At all events, we cannot but see what should be the daily habit of endeared friends, and especially of those who are united in wedded life. Dear brethren, know your privileges, and learn to make such an improvement of them as shall further and secure the eternal welfare of your souls.]