Ps. ci. 2. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me ? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
EXTENSIVE influence is a most invaluable ta- lent, which entails upon us an awful responsibility, and should therefore be improved with all possible care and diligence. The higher we are in the scale of society, the more our obligations to exert our- selves for God are increased. But, if wisdom direct not our measures, our most strenuous efforts will be in vain. David was well convinced of this truth : and, having seen in his own experience a wise ad- mixture of mercy and of judgment in the dealings of God towards him, he determined, in his limited sphere of action, to imitate the conduct of the Governor of the Universe, and so to temper mercy with justice in the whole of his administration, that iniquity might be suppressed, and virtue cultivated, not in his own palace only, but throughout all his dominions. We might not unprofitably enter into an investigation of the principles which he laid down for the regulation of his conduct, and mark the spe- cific course of action which he determined to pursue towards his courtiers ; but we shall wave the consi- deration of those particulars, and notice rather the general principle which he adopted, and which is equally applicable to persons in every station of life ; " I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way ; I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
A noble resolution this ! We will endeavour to point out, I. The great importance of it —
The value of religion, generally, is acknowledged by all ; but few are aware of the vast importance of a wise, discreet, and prudent deportment : yet on that essentially depend,
1 . The peace and comfort of our own souls —