But let us further mark,
II. The conduct to which it should lead us —
It should lead us to precisely the same spirit as he manifested : with a view to which, I would say,
1. Look for progress in the Divine life —
[David looked to God to " perfect all that concerned him." So should we, also, " go on unto perfection." We should never count ourselves to have attained, as long as any thing remains to be attained. Whatever progress we may have already made, we should " forget the things which are behind, and reach forth
>' 1 Pet. v. 8. c Jer. xxxii. 40. d Mai. iii. 6.
e Heb. vi. 18. f Phil. i. 6.
unto that which is before, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus g."]
2. Let your dependence be on God alone —
[It was to God alone that David looked for the " per- fecting" of all his concerns. And to God alone must you look. No dependence whatever must be placed on your own wisdom or strength. It is " God who has wrought all your works in you" hithertoh: and he who has been " the Author, must also be the Finisher1." " The same hand as laid the foundation of the good work, must bring forth the top-stone, that Grace, grace, may be ascribed to it," for ever and everk.]
3. Blend your confidence with fear —
[The confidence which David expressed did not supersede the necessity of holy fear. On the contrary, at the very moment that he so expressed it, he cried, " Forsake not the work of thine own hands1 !" It was thus with the Apostle Paul. No man ever had stronger confidence in God than he : yet " he kept under his body, and brought it into subjection, lest by any means, after having preached to others, he himself should be- come a cast-away m." Extremely important do I consider this suggestion. For, amongst those who express this confidence in God, many think themselves at liberty to relax their vigi- lance ; taking for granted, that God will keep them, whether they labour to " keep themselves"" or not. But this is an abuse, and a very fatal abuse, of the doctrines of grace. The assistance promised us by God, is intended to encourage, not to supersede, our own endeavours: as it is said, " Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ; for it is God who worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure0." To every one amongst you, then, whatever his attainments be, I say, " Be not high-minded, but fearp :" for " blessed is the man that feareth al\vayq." Whilst you say with David, " The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me ;" be sure to add, " My prayer shall be unto the God of my life1."]
4. Unite with fear, a firm unshaken confidence — [Arduous as David's circumstances were, he entertained
no doubt respecting their final issue. He looked to " God, as performing all things for hims," and was satisfied. Now, in like manner, I would have you " encourage yourselves in the Lord your God." Treasure up in your minds " his exceeding great and precious promises," and expect the accomplishment of them all to your souls. He has said, that " he will never leave you;
g Phil. iii. 12—14. h Isai. xxvi. 12. ; Heb. xii. 2.
k Zech. iv. 9. > ver. 8. m 1 Cor. ix. 27.
n Jude, ver. 21. ° Phil. ii. 12, 13. P Rom. xi. 20.
1 Prov. xxviii. 14. r Ps. xlii. 8. s Ps. lvii. 2.