April 22
The Offering of Praise
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me."—Psalm 1. 23.
WE require to be reminded of the plainest truths in religion, because we are so prone to forget them. No duty is more obvious than praise, and perhaps none more neglected. Note
THE SINS CONDEMNED. These are implied, though not expressed.
Atheism. "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God;" but how many say so in their lives! The man that lives without God in the world is a practical atheist; however he may startle at the charge, it is correct. How many are daily living on the bounty of that benevolent Being they scorn to acknowledge!
Ingratitude. Multitudes murmur against God, instead of praising him; and are discontented with the allotments of Providence.
Despair. How awful is the state of that individual who listens to the blasphemous suggestions of Satan, rather than the declarations of God's word! O give him the praise, and believe.
THE CONDUCT REQUIRED. You are called upon to offer a sacrifice; it is of a spiritual nature; namely, praise to God. It must burn in the heart, kindling your affections into a heavenly flame; it must be offered from the lips, and shed its fragrance in the life; it must be intrusted to the care of him who is our Great High Priest.
THE MOTIVES SUPPLIED. Let us name three.
It is reasonable you should. Can you imagine any thing more proper than the offering of praise to God?
It is delightful you may. Is this act, think not that you are conferring a favor on him; the obligation is on your part. Praise is the sweetest employment in which you can engage; it is the work of heaven commenced on earth.
It will be dreadful if you do not. The glorifying of God is the great end of life; and if this end is not answered, it had been better for you if you had never been born. Present the offering, while the temple door is open, and the High Priest is waiting with his golden censer, and the mercy-seat may be approached, and heaven is propitious; ere the glory of the Lord departs, and the candlestick of the Gospel is removed, and the voice utters, "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still."