110 THIRD SERMON be blunt, we must put to the more strength ;" and as husbandmen use where the nature of land is more de- fective, to supply it with the more importunate labour ; so having hearts so earthly for the performance of so heavenly a duty, we should use the more holy violence upon them ; and, as the widow did, extort justice from an unjust judge by her continual coming, Luke x viii. 5. we should press and urge, and with in- geminated* importunity charge this duty upon our- selves, as the psalmist doth, " O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men," Psa. cvii. 8.15. 21.31. (2.) Of our own benefit. For indeed all the benefit which ariseth out of this duty redounds to us, and none to God. His glory is infinite and eternally the same, there is and can be no accession unto that by all our praises. When a glass reflecteth the bright- ness of the sun, there is but an acknowledgment of what is, not any addition of what is not. When an excellent orator makes a panegyrical oration in praise of some honourable person, he Both not infuse any drachm of worth into the person, but only setteth forth and declareth that which is unto others. A curious picture praiseth a beautiful face, not by adding beauty to it, but by representing that which was in it before. The window which lets in light into a house doth not benefit the light, but the house into which the light shineth. So our praising God doth serve to quicken, comfort, and refresh ourselves, who have in- terest in so good a God : or to edify and encourage our brethren, that they may be ambitious to serve so honourable a Master ; but they add no lustre or glory to God at all. Now, lastly, for the right performance of this duty. * Redoubled.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=