* Ps. xlii. 11.
as referring to the past, they are an expression of gratitude to God; if, as relating to the future, they denote a cheerful affiance in him. We may pro- perly take them in both these senses, and learn from them to exercise,
1. Gratitude —
[While a sense of our own weakness humbles us in the dust, a view of God's power, and a recollection of the experience we have had of his kindness and all-sufficiency, should kindle in our breasts the liveliest gratitude. Who can "look to the rock whence he has been hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence he has been digged'"," and not bless the name of his God? Who can behold the manner in which others are enslaved by sin and Satan, and not adore the God that has made him free ? So deeply was David impressed with the mercies he had received, that he not only called on his soul to bless God, but declared that " all his bones should praise him"." And the one inquiry of our hearts should be, " What shall I render to the Lord for all the benefits he hath done unto me°?]
2. Affiance —
[The perfections of God in general may well encourage us to trust in him : but his power, together with his disposition to exercise it on our behalf, should lead us to place in him the most unbounded confidence. Difficulties should all vanish, and appear as nothing, when we reflect on him who is engaged for us. The same power that " made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass overP," can smooth all obstructions in our way% and make our mountains to become a plain '^. We therefore should trust all our concerns in his hands % with an assured hope that we shall never be confounded'.]
Infer,
1 . How little ground is there for the excuses of the presumptuous !
[You are ready to vindicate your ungodly ways, by saying, '^ I cannot live as God requires." But is not God able, yea, and willing too, to assist you? And if you will not seek his assistance, does not the blame rest wholly with yourselves ? Know that, however you may justify yourselves now, there is a day coming when you will stand speechless before him.]
2. How little ground is there for the fears of the desponding f
[We are but too apt to faint in difficulties, and to think
them
"' Isai. li. 1,2. " Ps. xxxv. Q, 10. ° Ps. cxvi. 12. & ciii. I, 2. P Isai. li. 10, 1 1sai. xl. 4. ' Zech. iv. 7.
' Prov. xvi, 3. ' Ps. cxxv. l, 2.