god's care of his people. Ps. cxxxviii. 8. The Lord will perfect that which eoncerneth me.
THE deeper doctrines of our holy religion, if made a matter of controversy and disputation, are very unprofitable ; but, as experienced in the soul, they are a source of the richest consolation. David, under the persecutions of Saul, stood in need of consolation ; and he found it in the consideration of God's power and faithfulness. He was at this time in great trou- ble. But, in the full confidence that God would take care of him, he said, " Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me : thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which eoncerneth me."
Let us, for our own improvement of these words, consider, I. The confidence here expressed —
Let us notice it,
1. In reference to David — [In their primary sense, the words refer to David's final establishment on the throne of Israel. But the whole psalm shews that he had a further view to his spiritual and eternal interests. In reference to his temporal advancement, his con- fidence was well-founded. God had promised to him the throne of Israel. The only question, therefore, for him to settle in his own mind, was, whether God was able to effect his promised mercy. But here he could have no doubt. True it was, that Saul laboured with all his might for his destruction : but it was not possible for man to thwart the purposes of the Almighty ; and therefore, relying on the power and faithfulness of Jehovah, he dismissed all fear, and assured himself of a happy and suc- cessful issue to his afflictions. In reference to his eternal welfare, it was equally just. God had " made with him an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure3." This covenant
a 2 Sam. xxiii. 5.
733.] god's care of his people. 453
comprehended every thing for body and for soul, for time and for eternity. Could it be supposed that God should ever violate his own engagements, or be incapacitated through the power or subtlety of men or devils for the fulfilment of them ? In spite of all the efforts of Saul, and all the devices of the wicked one, they had been accomplished hitherto ; and there was no reason to fear that " one jot or tittle of his word should ever fail."]
2. In reference to ourselves —
[We have the same difficulties to contend with as he. We have not indeed a human enemy, pursuing us unto death: but we have a more formidable enemy, even " Satan, who, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking," by every means within his power, " to devour usb." Thousands are in league with him on every side ; and within our own bosoms are there enemies innumerable, who are ready to betray us. According to human appearances, our escape is impossible. But we may, notwith- standing all, possess the fullest confidence of a triumphant issue. Our grounds of confidence, also, are the same as his. The covenant of grace is made with us, and with the Lord Jesus Christ in our behalf. In that covenant, God undertakes for us, as well as for himself: he engages that " he will not depart from us to do us good ; and that he will put his fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from him0." Now we may well say, " If God be for us, who can be against us?" That he should change, is impossible ; for " He is a God that changeth notd." And, because we are apt to doubt his veracity, he has confirmed his promise with an oath, " that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong con- solation, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before use." On these grounds, therefore, we may with the holy Apostle, " be confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in us will perform it till the day of Christ1'."]