June 23

were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only." Secondly, I will do it "for my servant David's sake." How honourable was this to the character of the man after his own heart! A similar allusion was often made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. From the beginning some were blessed for the sake of others. It was to show God's regard to righteousness; to enforce religion from its relative influence and advantages; and to prepare for a belief in the mediation of the Messiah, for whose obedience unto death all the families of the earth are blessed. The deliverance also was supernaturally accomplished: "Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses." What a destruction was here! And what an idea does it give us of the power of these messengers of God, who excel in strength and do his commandments! How safe and how happy are they who have the Lord of hosts on their side! If God be for us, who can be against us?

But wo to those who provoke a Being whose word arms every creature against them! What will it be, "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe?"

JUNE 23.—"Where two or three are gathered together."—Matthew 18:20.

THERE are circumstances which are not essential to the nature, acceptance, and usefulness, of divine worship. Two of these our Saviour here mentions.

The first regards place—"Where"—let it be where it will—in the sanctuary, or in the private dwelling, or in the barn, or in the field—"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." "The hour cometh," says Jesus to the woman of Samaria, "when neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, shall men worship the Father;" that is, exclusively. Thus he dwelleth not in temples made with hands: but wherever we worship him in spirit and in truth we are accepted of him. As to external sanctity, all places are alike to him. It is his presence that confers sacredness and dignity. And where has not this been enjoyed? When Jacob on his journey awoke in the morning, though there was no edifice near, he said, "This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." Our Lord, in the days of his flesh, not only worshipped in the temple, but in the synagogues; and preached by the side of the mountain, and the way side, and the sea side, and on board a barge: and he gives proof now, that he is to be found wherever he is sought. Where the king is, there is the court: but some think more of the place than of the king. Their prejudice and bigotry would confine his regards. But while they cry, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord,

the temple of the Lord are we,” he graciously says, “In all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.”

The second regards number—“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” It was not without design that our Lord, instead of a multitude, which seems imposing and striking, specifies such a few. It would rectify the mistake of the Jews, who contended that there must be always ten persons present, at least, to give efficacy to social prayer. It would encourage his followers both in cases of choice and necessity. Some few may be disposed to meet together for prayer, reading the Scripture, pious conversation, or to arrange or execute plans of usefulness; and why may they not expect that he will meet with them? Did not he join the two disciples going to Emmaus, and made their hearts burn within them? Let us make him our subject, and he will become our companion. When two or three fellow-citizens happen to be in the same place abroad, they soon hail each other, and become acquainted; they are sure to meet together and commune concerning the difference between their present residence and their own country; and inquire when they heard from home; and when they think of returning. How is it that Christians who are strangers and sojourners, do not oftener “meet and mingle?” and compare the vanity of this world with the worth of their own? and joyful, as the children of Zion in their King, talk of the glory of his kingdom, and abundantly utter the memory of his great goodness?

But there are cases in which only a few can meet together. Persecution formerly prevented or dispersed the worshippers; and only small parties, in places of concealment, and in the night, could assemble—Yet these were distinguished seasons and services. When the Gospel now first enters a town or village, it frequently meets with opposition; and fear and shame restrain many from attending. Yet let not the day of small things be despised. Some of our most flourishing Churches arose from very inconsiderable beginnings—a few from time to time passed along unnoticed, or reproached, to some poor apartment, where they claimed the Saviour’s promise, and found it good to be there—And now the little one has become a thousand—What has God wrought! If the weather reduces the number, let us not, if possible, be absent ourselves—The exertion and self-denial will not be in vain—Them that honour him, he will honour: and they that despise him will be lightly esteemed.

This also teaches ministers. Popular excitement is pleasing. But multitude is not essential to usefulness. A sportsman has fired into a flight of birds and not killed one of them; and he has killed one when he has had only one to aim at. When tempted to excuse himself from going, or to neglect preparation, because there is such a handful of poor rustics, let the preacher remember the value of a soul—Let him remember that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth—Let him remember that a much greater than himself—the Lord of all, will be there—“For where two or three are gathered together in his Name, there is he in the midst of them.”