knowledge ;" and all other things, how beautiful soever in their place, should be swallowed up by it, even as the most brilliant stars are eclipsed by the sun. Hence, this formed the one great topic of St. Paul's preaching ; (which he calls " the preaching of the cross ;") for " he determined to know nothing amongst his people but Jesus Christ, and him crucified." And in heaven this forms, amongst all the choir of saints and angels, the one subject of their praise. Even angels, I say, unite with the saints in singing " Salvation to God who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever." Oh ! Brethren, if our minds were more occupied in exploring the height and depth and length and breadth of redeeming love, we should not be so easily turned away after vain unprofitable controversies as
too many are at this day^ This subject will elevate and
enlarge the soul, and have a transforming efficacy in propor- tion as we dehght to dwell upon it. Let it only be duly and abidingly impressed upon your minds ; and it will prove the power of God to the salvation of your souls.]
e This is an important hint, and may be followed up, according as there be occasion for it at different times or places in the Christian Church.
Dxxvin.
David's confidence in god.
Ps. xxiii. 1 — 6. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not ivant. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I loill fear no evil: for thou art ivitli me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the preseiice of mine enemies : thou anointest my head loith oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell iti the house of the Lord for ever.
IN reading "the Psalms of David we are apt to think of him as a highly privileged person, whom we can never hope to resemble in the fervour of his piety, or the height of his enjoyments. But, whilst as the anointed King of Israel whom God had so particularly chosen, and as a distinguished prophet of the Lord, he was favoured with communications and supports, which we are not entitled to expect, in his
528.3 David's confidence in god. 135
more private character, as a saint, he possessed no advantage above us. His views of divine trutli were far inferior to ours : and his experience of its efficacy was no other than what may be enjoyed by every saint in every age. The psahii before us is a bright specimen of devout affection; and, in point both of composition and sentiment, is universally admired : yet it contains no other recollections than what every Believer's experience must afford, no other confidence than what every saint is warranted to express. Considering David then as a pattern for ourselves, we shall notice,
I. His retrospective acknowledgments —
In recording the mercies of God to him, he speaks of his heavenly Benefactor under the character of,
1. A Shepherd —
[The Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, was David's Lord% and David's Shepherd*^: and whatever pertains to the office of a good shepherd, he both executed for him, and will execute for us.
Is it the office of a shepherd to j^fovide good pasture for his sheep? O what pastui'e is provided for us in the sacred records! David in his day could say, " He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; he leadeth me beside the still waters : " and if he, with so small a portion of the inspired volume in his hands, when the great mystery of redemption w^as hid under a veil, and the Spirit of God was yet but sparingly bestowed upon the Church, could use such language, how much more may we, who have the meridian light of the Gospel shining around us, and the Holy Ghost poured forth in all his gracious influences, almost without measure ! What views have we of the " cove- nant, that is ordered in all things and sure!" of the prophecies, which have been so minutely fulfilled ! and of " the exceeding great and precious promises,' which are so suited to all our wants! And how abundant are our consolations, when the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, seals all these truths upon our souls, and witnesses with our spirits that we are the Lord's !