O that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.
 
 THERE is scarce any duty of religion more commonly neglected, or slightly performed, than that of praise and thanksgiving. The sense of our wants puts us upon begging favors from GOD; and the consciousness of our sins constrains us to deprecate his wrath; thus interest and selflove send us to our prayers. But, alas! how small a part has an ingenuous gratitude ' in our devotion How seldom are we serious and hearty in our acknowledgments of the divine bounty The slender returns of this nature which we make, are many times a formal ceremony, a preface to usher in our petitions for what we want, rather than any sincere expression of our thankful resentment for what we have received. Far different was the temper of the holy Psalmist, whose affectionate acknowledgments of the goodness and bounty of GOD, in the cheerful celebration of his praise, make up k considerable part of his divine and ravishing songs. How often do we find him exciting and disposing himself to join voice, hand, and heart together, in this holy and delightful employment! " Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My heart is fixed, O GOD, my heart is fixed I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory, awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early." And being conscious of his own insufficiency for the work, he inviteth others unto it; calling in the whole creation to assist him: 110 sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise him, ye sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars. Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying fowls. Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion." Many such figurative expressions occur, and allowance must be made for the poetical strain, but in the text we have a proper and passionate wish: 110 that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

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