to the weary and heavy-laden sinner, when he hears of a free and full salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ ]
This " sound" the true Believer " knows" —
[A speculative knowledge of the Gospel is possessed hy many who have no personal interest in it, and no desire after its blessings: but the true Believer knows it practically : he has felt its power ; he has tasted its sweetness : and he has been brought to a reliance on it for the salvation of his soul. This distinction must be carefully made by us. It is not of a head- knowledge that my text speaks; but of such a knowledge as enters into the heart, and engages all the powers of the soul
It is such a knowledge as God alone can impart
and all who possess that are truly " blessed."]
In our text we have a rich description of, II. Their blessedness —
They may not have much of this world : but they have much of God : they enjoy,
1 . A sweet sense of his love —
[" They walk in the light of his countenance." This is a privilege of which a worldly man can form no conception : but it is understood, and experienced, by all who enter into the spirit of the Gospel. They can go to God as a Father : they know that he is reconciled towards them in the Son of his love : and with a spirit of adoption they can draw nigh to him, and pour out their hearts before him, and hear him speaking peace unto their souls. In answer to their daily prayers he draws nigh to them, and " lifts up the light of his countenance upon them," and " fills them with joy and peace in believing." Such is their daily " walk" with God, a foretaste of their hap- piness in the realms of bliss."]
2. An habitual confidence in his care —
[They are subjected to a variety of circumstances like other men : but they have a Friend to whom they can go on every occasion, and from whom they can receive all such com- munications as they stand in need of. " The name of the Lord is a strong tower, to which they run and are safe." His per- fections are all exercised in their behalf: and, being their God, he is " a God unto them," doing for them whatsoever their diversified necessities require. In Him " therefore, even in his name, they rejoice all the day;" spreading before him their every want, and committing to him their every desire. " They know in whom they have believed," and cast all their care on him who careth for them."]
3. An assured prospect of his glory —