(3.) Again, it was declared to Abram, I will make thy name great. Amply has that promise been fulfilled, both in Ishmael and Isaac. The friend of God, had indeed some little renown as a conqueror; but none as a lawgiver, or inventor of useful arts. He was no philosopher, but a plain man dwelling in tents; yet no name, no memory is more renowned than his, throughout Christendom, and even among those who serve the false prophet in the eastern world. This however, is not the highest ground, on which the greatness of Abram's name must stand. His record is not chiefly that of worldly honour, and ecclesiastical privilege. It is especially written in the spiritual history of the Church, whereof he is the high father, and in the blessings of those who glory in him, as the head and representative of the heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. All distinctions, except those arising from adoption into the family of God, are written in the dust, and the grave will cover them. And He, who gives every privilege according to his own grace, and the Father's love in Him, has taught us how to make the estimate—“ In this rejoice not, that the devils are

1 Foster's Mahometanism Unveiled.

made subject unto you; but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”1

(4.) Another promise follows,-disjointed indeed from one of its predecessors in the divine communication made to Abram, but inseparably united with it, in the mind of God. "I will bless thee, and thou shalt be a blessing." How far the promise was accomplished, we can only dimly trace, in the persuasion, that thousands have profited by the faith, devotedness, and holy walk of this man of God, through the whole round of his duties, and to the end of his life, as their high example. His instruction has given light his conduct has embodied the precepts of God to many; while it was the peculiar grace and loftiness of his distinction, to be the world's emphatic blessing, as the forefather of its Saviour.

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Is this delightful promise then confined to Abram-or doth it not extend to all that holy family, whereof he is the earthly head? Every Christian hath an interest in it, as a distinguished portion of his spiritual birthright. Abram lives not for himself. He is set up as a witness for God, and as an instrument for good

1 Luke ix. 20.

to the Church and to the world. Every spiritual mercy therefore, whereby he is enriched; every communication of his Father's bounty in the everlasting covenant; every grace of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon him, unto sanctification; every sure promise made over to him, hath a reference beyond himself. When God eminently blesses any of his servants, he gives not to them alone, but that they may become the providential channels of carrying forth those blessings to others. These holy influences descending upon any eminent saint and servant of the Most High, pass onwards to others for their good; "like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down npon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments."' Its holy influence is as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descendeth upon the mountains of Zion, not to rest upon the hill top near to heaven, but to pass downwards and be poured upon the little vallies beneath it. And what a world would this become-how beautiful would it be in holiness, how rich in the fruits of righteousness, how sweetly harmonious in every note of

1 Psalm cxxxiii. 2.

its compass, to sound the glories of redemption, were every believer anxious that from the opened windows of heaven, spiritual blessings should be poured upon him, till there was not room to receive them; not merely for his individual prosperity, peace, holiness, and joy; but that God in all things might be magnified by Jesus Christ, in the extension of his kingdom over the hearts of others. A Sovereign blessed of God, would be a blessing to his subjects. They who bear rule under him, would spread the honour of the Most High in the administration of their office. The ministers of the sanctuary,-their hearts filled with the love, and their lips touched with the spirit of God,-men of prayer, wrestling for their Lord's presence and unction on their labours, would make many sympathize with them, and largely promote the honour of their Lord. Parents, enriched by the unspeakably precious blessing of an indwelling Saviour, would have their pleadings largely answered for their children; and their households would be families of heaven. Masters would have their domestics obeying them in the duties of every day, "not with eye service as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from

the heart." The green spots in the wilderness, thus watered by many streams from the river of life, would multiply and approach each other, until they covered it with one bright livery of holiness and love; making it blossom like Eden the garden of God.

Oh, what joyous encouragement is here to any and every faithful disciple of the Redeemer! "I will bless thee, and thou shalt be a blessing." Hath unchangeable truth fulfilled the former part of the promise to any of you? Then who shall separate it from the latter? If God hath commissioned it to be fruitful, beyond the immediate object of its bestowment, who shall make it barren? Look still upwards for all covenanted blessings from Him, with whom they dwell. Look around for the means of instrumentally distributing them, by influence, example, instruction, prayer; and you who thus long to magnify the Lord, will assuredly know, either here, or in the disclosures of a coming day, that you have not walked your heaven-ward way alone. You will not come unattended to the resurrection of the saints, when they that be wise shall shine as the bright

1 Eph. vi. 1.