62. And not only does the Great Creator do all these things for his children,-but those who madly refuse to listen to his gracious invitations, he thus further addresses: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. The Divine Being pardons men's unspeakable ingratitude, and has given his only begotten Son for their redemption. To work out this, holy men in all ages, the angelic host, the Son of God, and the Most High himself, all perform their various parts.- Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature; shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' 63. And beyond all this, even the conduct of the wicked is, as we have said, made subordinate to the well-being of the righteous; hence, these glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed.' Thus all things worketh together for good to them that love God!' 64. Seeing, then, that the entire scheme of things is intended to educe the divine passion of LOVE,-this being the sole source of felicity to all intellectual beings, and that whereby the Creator's glory is so illustriously displayed; how intense should be our love for one another;-for him, which, though he was rich, yet, for our sakes, became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich; and for the Most High himself, the Great Author of all lawful Association! By thus educing our happiness, we imitate the Divine Being himself, in being centres of felicity to all around us. In this way alone, whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, can we do all to his glory. As a good Christian, says a pious writer, should consider every place holy; so should he look upon every part of his life as a matter of holiness, because it is to be offered unto God. Things spiritual and temporal, sacred and common; must, like men and angels, like Heaven and earth, all conspire in the glory of God. As there is but one God and Father of us all, whose glory gives light and life to every thing that lives,—whose power supports all things,-whose providence ruleth all events;-so every thing that lives, whether in Heaven or earth, whether they be thrones or principalities, men or angels; they must all with one spirit live wholly to the praise and glory of this one God and Father of them all. Angels, as angels in their heavenly ministrations, but men, as men, some with things spiritual, and some with things temporal; offering to God the daily sacrifice of a reasonable life, wise actions, purity of heart, and heavenly affections. This is the common business of all persons in this world. It is therefore absolutely necessary for all Christians to consider themselves as persons that are devoted to holiness; and so order their common ways of life, by such rules of reason and piety, as may turn it into continual service unto Almighty God!-(Law.) 65. To those, then, who are obedient to the Divine Law, comprised, as we have seen, in the following words of the Lord Jesus Christ: THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT. AND THE SECOND IS LIKE UNTO IT,-THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. The constitution and course of the Universe and divine revelation, combine to declare that, from the moment the Most High commenced the work of creation, and throughout all eternity,all he ever has done, all he ever will do, is now working, and ever will work, together for their good. Wherefore, seeing we' are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,' saith the Lord; I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son ! 66. Seeing, therefore, the great things which God has done, is doing, and will ever continue to do, for those who live in accordance with his holy Law, passeth all understanding,' all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great; 'Praise our God.'- For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; praise ye him in the heights. For his mercy endureth for ever." Praise ye him, all his angels; praise ye him, all his hosts. For his mercy endureth for ever.' 'Praise ye him, sun and moon; praise him, all ye stars of light. For his mercy endureth for ever.' 'Praise him, ye Heaven of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.'- For his mercy endureth for ever.' 'Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons and all deeps. For his mercy endureth for ever.' ་ 'Praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is excellent,' both young men and maidens, old men and children.'-'For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power.'- For his mercy endureth for ever.' 'Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.'-'For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the psaltery and harp.'-' For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and organs.'-'For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals.'-' For his mercy endureth for ever.' Praise ye the name of the Lord.' 'Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.'-'For his mercy endureth for ever.' Alleluia! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!' |