When I reflect, O Lord, on the many favours thou hast conferred on me, I am overwhelmed with confusion, and feel my heart penetrated with such deep sentiments of gratitude, as cannot be expressed. I find myself, as it were, encompassed on all sides, and pressed by thy goodness. It is thou thyself, O Lord, that lovest me, in all those creatures from whom I receive any benefit or advantage. My parents, from whom I received my existence, or my friends, who have given me such proofs of their tenderness, are but the instruments of thy providence, and the channels of thy mercies in my behalf. Thou art not only the God of the universe, but thou art also, in a particular way, my God! So interested art thou in all that relates to me, that thy attention seems as if it were entirely fixed on me alone. Thou hast given me all thou hast made, all that I am, and all that thou art thyself, cannot I, therefore, with as much reason as David, call thee "the God of my salvation and my mercy; my refuge and my support; my treasure and my inheritance?" Nay, more, dost thou not at present vouchsafe to become my _very subsistence_, by not only giving thyself to fortify my weakness, and as a pledge of eternal life, but also that I may be nourished with thy _very flesh and blood?_ How great, therefore, must my ingratitude be, if I do not make a cordial return for such infinite love. O my God, suffer me sooner to forget myself, than to be ever unmindful of this great favour. Although I have been treacherous, fearful, and a prevaricator, yet I shall never be guilty of _ingratitude_, since I should blush at this vice even in my commerce with men. {140} But still, what return can I make thee, being of myself insolvent, indigent, and miserable? Behold! the treasure is at hand; the gift I have now received from thee enables me to repay thee for all thy other benefits: the sacrifice of all that I am or have, is not worthy to be presented to thee; but in offering thee thyself, I consider my debts as abundantly discharged. May thy infinite merits be for ever exalted for having given me such excellent means of repaying _to the full_, the infinite obligations I owe thee.--"What return shall I make to the Lord for all those things which he has given unto me?"--_Psalm_ cxv. "He hath made a memorial of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear him."--_Psalm_ xc.