National thanksgiving calls for national duties. The language of the former would be mockery if not followed up by the discharge of the latter. The tapering finger of the plague has indicated what these are with unmistakeable accuracy. It is thus that the sufferings and losses of the few prove the occasion of blessings to the many. Thus in after years we shall look back on 1849 as a year of judgment indeed, but of judgment in which mercy has preponderated. May all of us, each in the home, the congregation, the country, be a blessing a shower of blessingsbeneficent as well as benevolent; remembering that one duty done is preferable to many dreamed of, even as one brick laid on earth is far better than a thousand castles built in the air. May we be found clothed in the righteousness and washed in the precious blood of our blessed Lord; and may our course, and character, and actions be evidence that we are so, and attestations to the truth and force of our "love to Him who first loved us." The "time is short "—" the night cometh;" may we "work while it is called to-day." That on you and yours may rest the blessings which I know you ever seek, is the earnest prayer of Your Ladyship's Faithful and obedient Servant, January, 1850. JOHN CUMMING. PREFACE. Ar the commencement of the epidemic of 1849, I published an exposition of Psalm XCI., in order to cherish and direct the confidence of the people of God, under the action of that terrible visitation. I trust it was useful to many. Consistently, and out of a deep sense of its suitableness, I now add a short exposition of Psalm CIII., called justly the Eucharistic Hymn. It is a song of gratitude. May many a heart sing itmay we have long occasion to do so. |