Let us LEARN then, from this example of David, L The proper object of our ambition —
[Crowns and kingdoms should not satisfy the Christian's ambition. He should seek to enjoy " God himself, even the living God," who has Hfe in himself, and is the one source of life to the whole creation. David, when driven from his house and family, did not pant after his lost possessions, his ruined honours, his deserted relatives : it was God alone whose pre- sence he so ardently desired. O that every desire of our souls may thus be swallowed up in God, whose loveliness and loving- kindness exceed all the powers of language to describe, or of any created imagination to conceive !]
2. The proper measure of our zeal —
b Chap, iii. 1 — 4.
[In reference to earthly attainments, men in general con- tend, tliat it is scarcely possible to have our desires too ardent: but in reference to the knowledge and the enjoyment of God, they think even the smallest ardour is misplaced. But '•' it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing :" and, if the measure of David's desire was right, then should not ours stop short of his. When we can explore the heights and depths of the Redeemer's love, or count the unsearchable riches of his grace, then may we limit our exertions according to the scale which we may derive from them : but, if they surpass all the powers of language or of thought, then may we take the hunted deer for our pattern, and never pause till we have attained the full fruition of our God.]