Having thus illustrated the verses composing this Psalm, we shall next briefly proceed to a. practical improvement of them.

Did the tabernacles of God appear so amiable and so desirable to David ? and how amiable and desirable ought they to appear to us ? Under the imperfect dispensation of the Jews, worshippers were permitted to enter only into the courts of the tabernacle ; but we, under the perfect dispensation of the gospel, are required “ to enter with “ boldness into the holiest of all, by the 6 blood of Jesus, by a new and living way 66 which he hath consecrated for us through " the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” If, therefore, as the Apostle to the Colossians argues,

“ the ministration of death, written " and engraven on stone, was glorious, “ how shall not the ministration of the

spirit be rather glorious !” And if David pronounced the man blessed, who under the law dwelt in the house of God, and was still praising him, how great must be the blessedness of the man who, under the gospel, delights to dwell in the house of God, and with how much greater reason will he be still praising him ? In those

Old Testament times, they were only blessed with the shadow of good things to come; we are blest with the substance. They had their sacrifices, and types, and shadows; but we have Him in whom they all centered. They had the Prophets who

. foretold, we have the Evangelists who record, the life of Jesus. They knew that Christ would establish a glorious kingdom in this world ; we see that kingdom established, and enjoy its blessings. With respect to light and spiritual advantages, he that is least in the kingdom of God, i. e. in the church of Christ, is greater than all the Old Testament prophets.

But, brethren, are you profiting under the means of grace? Does your fruit in any measure correspond with the superior advantages which you enjoy ? When you read of the lively devotion of David and other Old Testament saints, are you not ashamed of your cold lifeless services ? How comparatively languid and dead is the worship of many Christians, and how far do even the most spiritual fall short of what they know to be their duty ? How many in this highly favoured land, instead of being glad when it is said to them, “ Let us go up to

* the house of the Lord,” say of the wor

" ship of God, “ Behold what a weariness is 6 it, and when will the Sabbath be gone?” How many, instead of finding the dutiés of religion pleasant and delightful, account them an irksome and burdensome task O that such persons would consider how they could bear to spend an eternity' in the service and worship of God, when a few hours spent in these employments are felt so painfully tiresome!

Let a sense then of your manifold sins and imperfections, fellow Christians, keep you ever humble before God, and stir

you up in future to the utmost activity and diligence in his work and service, and to a devout, strict, and regular attendance on his house of prayer. Prize, highly prize the ordinances of our holy religion. In the sanctuary below, you prepare yourself for, and anticipate the work of the sanctuary above. You join yourself beforehand to the society of angels and blessed spirits on high ; you already enter on the delightful employment of eternity, and begin the song

which is heard for ever around the throne of God. And while

And while you meet to- , gether in this place, remember that many

с

of your dear Christian friends, who worshipped in times past within these walls, are now in the higher house, in the church of the First Born. Rejoice in the prospect of meeting with them never more to part, and of being employed with them in celebrating the praises of Him that sitteth on the throne, and of the Lamb for ever and LECTURE II.

LUKE VII. 11.-16.

11 And it came to pass, the day after, that he went into a city called Nain ; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12 Now, when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow : and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier ; and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16 And there came a fear on all : and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us ; and, That God hath visited his people,

In the beginning of this chapter we learn,