Let us now consider more particularly how the subject bears upon ourselves. We have all received innumerable mercies both temporal and spiritual at the hand of God. In reference to the former, we have reason to acknowledge the many privileges and immunities which are pre-eminently possessed in the favoured land to which we belong and in regard to the latter, we have been still more eminently blessed. To us the Gospel has been sent, announcing the character and offices of that Almighty Saviour who alone can " forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." To us the ordinances of grace are accessible, and opportunities of worshipping God, and attending the dispensation of his Word, are largely afforded. To us these blessings are continued, having been preserved uninterrupted through successive generations. Have we then rightly estimated, have we duly valued them? Have we been heartily thankful for them, and exemplary in the expression of our praise to Him who has mercifully conferred them? In our aggregate capacity as a nation, or as a smaller collective community, it is but too evident that we have been awfully guilty, that we have justly merited the severe chastisement of an insulted God. Oh! may a spirit of penitence be excited and appear among us! May deserved judgments be mercifully averted from us: and may national humiliation, accompanied with sincere national repentance, be speedily followed by national elevation, accompanied with national gratitude! But while all in common have possessed those advantages which we have specified, there are many who have been distinguished above others both as to their temporal allotment, and as to the extent of their spiritual privileges. God has afforded them more copious means of hearing and learning the wonders of his grace, and more abundant facilities for glorifying him, in the faithful use of the substance which he has intrusted to their care. To such therefore we would make the appeal,-Has it been your endeavour constantly to evince your gratitude, both in the cordial reception of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the blessings of his great salvation,-and in devoting the possessions with which he has intrusted you to the promotion of his glory, and to the furtherance of true religion?—If not, there is too much reason to apprehend that it cannot be truly affirmed concerning you, that your faith hath made you whole. Let each individual then, seriously and for himself, consider, what have been the special blessings, whether temporal or spiritual, with which he has been peculiarly favoured; and let him conscientiously ask, as in the sight of the heart-searching God, whether he has been really thankful—whether he is at this present time really endeavouring to honour and glorify his God and Saviour.-Signal mercies neglected and unacknowledged will awfully increase the guilt, and aggravate the punishment, of those on whom they have been conferred. While then, my brethren, you are thankful for whatever temporal blessings you enjoy, see that you more especially value and improve those which are of a religious and spiritual nature. Embrace the provision which has been made for your salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord;-seek the grace of his Holy Spirit, that you may be new creatures in Him, and may be delivered from the power and corruption of sin. Finally. Let those who have been cleansed from their spiritual leprosy, and have already returned in gratitude and praise to their Great Benefactor— their adorable Saviour,-ever remember the obligation under which they are laid. While they rejoice in the Lord, let them habitually cultivate a spirit of thankfulness to Him for his unspeakable mercies, and pray that that spirit may increase in them more and more, till they arrive at that blissful consummation, in which they shall unite with the full chorus of the redeemed in the harmony of an everlasting song. |