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deserves to be particularly noted. Here upon earth, our devotional services too often degenerate into flat and formal observances: but, in that upper world, they will be accompanied with so great and endless a variety, as to appear ever new, and never wearisome. Causes of praise will there be infinite and inexhaustible; as these causes become apparent, they will excite new and appropriate feelings; and these feelings will be manifested by ever new and varied expressions of adoration and praise.

But what I mean especially to dwell upon at this time, is the peculiarity of the expression, I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. The language of this book is almost wholly symbolical; not setting before us the heavenly things of which it treats, but only such representations of them as the present imperfect state can afford. So that, when we hear of harpers harping with their harps; we are not to suppose, that such musical instruments as are known by that name among us, are found also in the hands of the blessed above. But we are to understand by this particular phraseology, that as the sound of the harp delights the

ear of man, so the praises of the redeemed shall appear replete with harmony and

sweetness before God.

There is no musical instrument of greater antiquity than the harp. It was originally composed of very few strings, to which every age has made such considerable additions, that, in our own day, it is considered as an instrument of uncommon compass. And herein the harp may very aptly represent the human soul: for as that instrument is furnished with a rich variety of strings, so the soul is made up of many parts and powers, many principles and tempers, many faculties and feelings, which qualify it for the performance of many acceptable services in the sight of God. And as all things are said to speak the praises of God, when they duly perform their appointed functions; so when the soul of man puts all its parts and powers to their proper it may then especially be said to sound out the high praises of its Almighty Creator. We read that the heavens declare the glory of God: a form of speech which signifies that the material firmament, by its extent and magnificence, proclaims the eternal power

use,

and godhead of its invisible Maker. The sun, the moon, and the surrounding stars, bring in their daily tribute of praise, by regularly performing their destined revolutions. And these are performed in so open and public a manner, as fully to justify the assertion of the psalmist-One day telleth another, and one night certifieth another: there is neither speech nor language, but their voices are heard among them: their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world--or as one of our own poets finely expresses it,

In reason's ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing, as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine.

If then the inanimate parts of the creation are capable of celebrating the power and wisdom of the Creator, by their mechanical motions; it may easily be supposed, that spiritual intelligences are qualified for performing the same kind of service in an abundantly superior manner, by admiring his perfections, enjoying his favour, and adoring his grace. So that when we are told of harpers harping with their harps, in

an assembly of glorified saints; we should imagine to ourselves a company of redeemed spirits, engaged in an act of holy adoration before God. Here, indeed, in our inferior circumstances, while we worship in temples made with hands, we feel it necessary to call in all the aids that human art can furnish, in order to accelerate our upward flight. Hence the introduction of musical instruments into our solemn assemblies: and hence that earnest invocation of David, which we find in the fifty-seventh psalm-Awake up my glory; awake, lute and harp: I myself will awake right early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people; I will sing unto thee among the nations: for thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, and thy truth is above the clouds. But in the inner courts of the Lord's house, such external helps are unnecessary, since the whole host of heaven are like a multitude of golden harps, well tuned, continually in unison with each other, and ever ready to make sweet harmony before the King of kings.

It is this spiritual and internal kind of harmony that we should aim at in every act of worship, in conformity to that apo

stolic direction-Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. This is that sacred melody which distinguishes all the children of the kingdom, and to which the incomprehensible Jehovah himself will graciously condescend to listen. But for the production of this celestial music, the soul must be put in tune, and kept in tune, by a more than mortal hand. Man is a creature made up of inconsistencies and contradictions. He is like an instrument long neglected, and altogether out of tune, which cannot be touched without producing discord and confusion: so that, in his natural state, he is totally unqualified for the exercise of thanksgiving and praise. In order to fit him for a service so reasonable and exhilarating, he must be brought under the divine influence. The hand of God must repair his whole internal constitution; restoring his debilitated powers; winding up his slackened chords; harmonizing his discordant feelings; and bringing his disordered mind in frame.

Every redeemed and regenerate spirit has

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