Now unto God and our Father
The spirit in which to close the year
I. The doxology.
1. We are to give glory to God as to our heavenly Father. We are not to regard Him as a tyrant, nor as a governor merely, but as a kind and loving Father.
2. We are to give Him the glory, that is, the honour and praise, of all His mercies to us.
II. Benediction. Grace is the love of God as displayed in Christ, whereby we receive all those unmerited favours which are included in the gospel plan of salvation.
1. The beginning of religion is grace.
2. Its progress in the soul depends upon grace. (Homiletic Monthly.)
Parting thoughts should embrace
I. Thanks to God.
II. Love to the brethren.
III. Prayer for grace. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Observe--
I. The glory of God--is absolute--full of grace--eternal.
II. Its acknowledgment--is due from all--in truth--forever. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Glory is due
I. To God--as supreme--as our Father.
II. From all--in heaven--and on earth.
III. Forever--in time--and eternity.
IV. In sincerity and truth--amen. (J. Lyth, D. D.)