SERMONS. SERMON I. THE LORD LOVETH THE GATES OF ZION. PREACHED AT THE OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL. Psalm lxxxvii., 2.-The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. "WALK about Zion, count her towers, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the generation following:"" glorious things are spoken of her;" one of the most glorious forms our text: "God hates nothing that he has made;" "he is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works;" "he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked," bestows ten thousand blessings on the evil, and is in many respects the Saviour of all! He loves with forbearance even the ungodly; loves the awakened with tender pity; the obedient believer with delight: for saints are lovely in his sight. These he loves as individuals, these he regards as families. But their public assemblies do most honour him, and on them he bestows most honour. "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." I. Illustrate this fact. II. Discover its meaning. III. Endeavour to draw forth its practical good. I. Illustrate this fact. 1. Ever since men began to multiply, God has been solicitous to provide places of public worship; solitary religion is unknown in the history of the Church; everywhere God has caused places to be erected in which to meet, render thanks, and ask those things which are needful (Liturgy). See his directions to the patriarchs for social altars; see the Mosaic table (the pattern by God himself); see his provi B |