n which
ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of
light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we
assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of
the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in
beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service
beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a
proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is
described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality. There,
its nature and the manner of performing it are defined; its character as
a duty, the compass of its matter, and the obligation entailed by
engaging in it are exhibited; the provision made for the continuance of
it, its adaptations, sovereign appointment, sanction, and character as a
privilege, and powerful motives to engage in it afforded in its signs,
are presented; and its history, anterior and prospective, its
recommendations found in the practice of the church in gospel times, its
advantages, and claims, are distinctly revealed. Along with kindred
institutions, all claiming an origin essentially Divine, but
distinguished from them, it demands a regard at least not less than what
they share. Embodying in itself all the others, in some aspects of its
character it presents these united in a singular and beauteous whole.
By reason of the light broken by error falling upon it, many who
contemplate its features apprehend not the individuality it displays,
but, reflecting on each part separately, connect them so as not to be
impressed by the object presented in the union of all. Like the distinct
objects which make up the entire landscape, when each one is examined by
itself, the various religious exercises which enter into this, if each
be recognised alone, leave no impression of the whole as it would appear
if contemplated at once. Prayer and the offering of praise are
universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a
place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting. Nay, as
including these services and others, though as different from each of
them, they give its delineation. To enable those who ponder the
scriptural representation of it to answer suitably the Divine demand,
"Understandest thou what thou readest?" prayer for heavenly illumination
upon it is not merely desirable, but necessary; and by all who have felt
its advant