Dumbness removed by God.
The subject suggested by these words is, praise of God the fruit of sight and of present enjoyment. We are not to rest our praises on that which was and on that which shall be, but we have abundant material in that which is now.
I. Present reasons for praise: (1) The works of God. (2) The providence and government of God. (3) The gift to us of blessings for which we have had a strong desire, natural or acquired. (4) The gift of things which we have earnestly and importunately prayed for. (5) Gifts sought, but not found until after many days. These are as springs and wells to the traveller disappointed by the mirage. (6) Blessings remaining for a time in promise, and then being brought forth to our possession. (7) Good things, full of the power of doing good to others. (8) Hopes fructifying in possession and in enjoyment. (9) Visions of life and dreams of life changed into life actual and real. (10) Each particular day's blessings.
II. Restraints of prayer removed. This is effected by the strengthening of our faith, and by the enlarging of our hope, and by the increase of our love, and by the perfecting of our joy. Free praise! (1) This cannot be enclosed in forms, or imprisoned in psalms and hymns. (2) This has no hampering relations with time and place. It is in season winter and spring, summer and autumn. (3) It is beyond the imprisoning fingers of our fellowmen. (4) It involves freedom from ourselves. Praise ejects selfishness, and brings within proper bounds our self-love. In praise we think of the giver rather than of the gift. (5) It banishes littleness from life. (6) It sanctifies the worshipper. (7) It prepares and trains for free praise in heaven. Free praise comes from the Lord's freed men. Free praise is one fruit of the liberty of the sons of God. Free praise is cherished by the "mercies that are new every morning, and fresh every evening."
S. Martin, Comfort in Trouble,p. 90.
References: Luke 1:64. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iv., p. 524.Luke 1:65; Luke 1:66. J. Keble, Sermons for Saints' Days,p. 247. Luke 1:66. Homiletic Magazine,vol. xv., p. 365.Luke 1:68. J. M. Neale, Sermons in Sackville College,vol. i., p. 64.Luke 1:76. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iv., p. 225; J. M. Neale, Sermons in a Religious House,vol. i., p. 219. Luke 1:77-79. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxxii., No. 1907; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iii., p. 93.