June 4

"They have not called upon God." — Psalms 53:4.

ATHEISTS, says Henry, are the greatest fools in nature; for they see there is a world that could not make itself, and yet they will not own there is a God that made it. This Psalm begins with an allusion to the atheist, and a very black picture is drawn of him, "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God" — not in his intellect, not in his understanding, not in his judgment, as the conviction of his mind, but in his heart; intimating that it is rather his desire that there was, than his belief that there is, no God. A neglect of calling upon God is one of the many charges here preferred against the ungodly. Observe

A DUTY IMPLIED. It is calling upon God. Prayer is expressed by a variety of terms, such as crying, asking, seeking, knocking, waiting on God, lifting up our eyes and pouring out our hearts. Consider this duty

In its objects. Our design in calling upon God should be to render unto him that adoration and praise which are his due, and to implore those blessings we require. We are to seek the comforts that pertain to this life, but especially those that regard the soul and eternity. Call on him for greater discoveries of his grace, and renewed instances of his favor, that you may rest in the sunshine of his countenance, and partake of the joys of his salvation.

In its manner. How are we to call upon God? There must be faith, a belief in our sinfulness, God's mercy, Christ's atonement, and the Spirit's teaching — sincerity, for our hearts must be engaged in the work — submission, we must ask for things agreeable to his will — constancy, "continuing instant in prayer."

In its importance. This appears when you consider the relationship in which we stand to God — the blessings he has to bestow — his readiness to confer them — the evils that may be averted — the pleasures that may be experienced — and the advantages that may be obtained by it. Prayer, says one, is a shelter to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to the devil.

A SIN EXPOSED. "They have not called upon God." We may apply this charge to two classes.

Those who neglect prayer altogether. On how many dwellings might the words with truth be inscribed with regard to their inhabitants, "They have not called upon God." How many neglect secret prayer, and thus call not upon God in the closet; others disregard public ordinances, and call not upon God in the sanctuary; and others have never erected a domestic altar, and call not upon God in the family.

Those who perform it with indifference. Many adopt the form of prayer, who know nothing of its spirit; and we have yet to say of multitudes of professors with all their high notions, self-conceit, and religious pretension, "They have not called upon God." The mercy-seat has been approached, sacrifices have been presented, the wood of outward forms has been gathered, and the halt and the maimed have been brought to the altar; but there has been wanting the fire of fervor and devotion, and so the offering has been rejected.