more than the fallen angels ? and, if we had been dealt with ac- cording to our deserts, where would have been the diflference be- tween us and those who are gone beyond the reach of mercy? Let us but contemplate this, and the smallest mercy we enjoy will appear exceeding great j yea, any thing short of hell will be esteemed a mercy ^.]
2. The richness and variety —
[The psalm primarily relates to David's recovery from some heavy disorder: and the terms wherein he expresses his gratitude are precisely such as are used by other persons on similar occa- sions ^ On this account, in our review of God's mercies, it will be proper first to notice the blessings of his providence. How often have we been visited with some bodily disorder, which, for ought we know, has been sent as a preventive or punishment of sin ! (We certainly have reason to think, that at this time, as well as in former ages, God punishes the sins of his people in this world, that they may not be condemned in the world to come'.) And how often have we been raised from a state of weakness and ii5 nger, to renewed life and vigour 1 At all events, we have been beset with dangers, and yet not permitted to fall a sacrifice to them ; and been encompassed with \Yants, which have been liberally sup- plied. Can we view all these mercies with indifference ? do they not demand from us a tribute of prait^e?
But the expressions in the text leads us to contemplate also the blessings of God's grace. And can we adopt the words in this view ? O how great and wonderful are they, if we appreciate them aright ! To be forgiven one sin is a mercy of inconceivable magnitude ; but to be forgiven all, all that we have ever com- mitted, this is a mercy which neither the tongues of men nor angels can ever adequately declare. Think too of the corruptions which with most inveterate malignity infect our souls : to have these healed ! to have them all healed ! We no longer wonder at the ardour of the Psalmist's devotion ; we wonder only at our own stupidity. Contemplate moreover the efforts which Satan, that roaring lion, is ever making to destroy us; consider his wiles, his deceits, his fiery darts : what a stupendous mercy is it that we have not been given up as a prey unto his teeth ! Look around at the mercies of all kinds with which we are encircled: and mark the provision of ordinances, and promises, yea, of the body and blood of God's only dear Son, with which our souls are nourished and renewed; so that our drooping spirits, like the eagle when renewed in its plumage, are enabled to soar to the highest heavens with confidence and joy. Can w©
find
^ See how this consideration enhanced the favours which God vouchsafed to David, Ps. viii. I. & St. Paul, Eph. iii. 8. •• Isai. xxxviii. 1/. * Compare iCor. xi. 30,32. with Jara. v. 15.
S46 ' PSALMS, ciir. 1 — 5. [406.
find in these things no grounds of praise ? Must not our hearts be harder than adamant itself, if they do not melt at the contemplation of such mercies as these ?]
3. The constancy and continuance — •
[See how triumphantly the Psalmist dwells on this''; and let us compare our experience with his. Has not God made us also the objects of his providential care, by day and by night, from the earliest period of our existence to this present moment ? Has he not also renewed to us every day and hour the blessings of Ms grace, " watering us as his garden," and *' encompassing us with his favour as with a shield?" Surely we may say that "goodness and mercy have followed us all our days;" there has not been one single moment when our Divine keeper has ever slumbered or slept ; he has kept us '* even as the apple of his eye ;" " lest any should hurt us, he has kept us day and liight."