company, and backed by such aid, the language of David is both natural and modest; while it expresses a pre-eminence which believers will ever have over carnal men. In a world of sin we must look for sorrow; but without the faith of Jesus we shall look in vain for consolation. Peace of conscience and the repose of the heart the light of God's countenance and an imperishable hope, belong not to the wicked, even in their best estate. And when they are to enter the valley of the shadow of death, their idols broken and their glories gone, who, ah who would step into their place? But out of that dreary vale there issues a voice: I will fear no evil, for THOU art with me. The voice is Christian, and Christ is there! His gracious presence compensates the keenest suffering. Who has not heard of the wonders which it has wrought? It calmed the spirit of Daniel in the den of lions: it called forth the song of Paul and Silas from the dungeons of Philippi: it has borne ten thousand of the faithful above persecution and the persecutor: and at this hour, after the lapse of ages, it instructs ten thousand more to glory in tribulation; so that they may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Encircled thus with mercy, and walking by faith, they endure as seeing him who is invisible. Patience has her perfect work, and they go in the

strength of the Lord God, waiting till their deliverance come, and the shadow of death be turned into the morning.

This happy reverse, which repays sharp affliction with sweet enjoyment, is not uncommon in the life of faith. The psalmist has noticed it in verse 5, where he introduces his Redeemer under the new emblem of a most hospitable friend.

Verse 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.

These words, in very simple and impressive figure, celebrate,

(1.) The bounty of the Lord Jesus.

preparest a table before me.

Thou

The allusion is to that hospitality of the East, which entertained even strangers, with the fattest of the flock, with wine and oil, and the most precious fruits of the earth. And these kind offices were the more grateful, as travelers had often no other accommodation than what was furnished by private munificence. But to invited guests, and on festive occasions, the preparations, according to rank and condition, were most liberal and sumptuous. Now believers are strangers and pilgrims who pass through this world, a land of wilderness and drought, in search of a better country, that is, a heavenly. Exposed to fatigue, alarm, and conflict, they

would faint without the refreshments provided for them by their Lord and Master. There are intervals in which he deals bountifully with them. Taking them by the hand, he leads them from the valley of the shadow of death into his banqueting house, and his banner over them is love. Instead of that awful reserve which they might anticipate in the "King of glory," he treats them with the most gracious familiarity. Eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. Here, their spirits are recruited, and their toils forgotten. They delight themselves in the abundance of peace; and have the best of all proof that it is not vain to serve God. Thus does he bestow upon his church collectively, and upon her members individually, periods of prosperity and joy. When the one is favored with "quietness and assurance," in the possession of his truth and ordinances; and the other flourish under the "light of his countenance," he has prepared a table before them.

(2.) The circumstances which attend this privilege, enhance its own value, and the glory of its author. Thou hast prepared a table before me, saith the text, in the presence of mine enemies.

Like David, every believer is compassed with those who seek his life. And when to him, as to David, the Lord has given rest round about from all his enemies, they are made the reluctant VOL. II.

5

But

witnesses of his comfort. It greatly heightens our mercies to know, not only that they are from the hand of our Redeemer, but that he maintains us in the possession of them, against both earth and hell. This truth, which we are never to forget, should be asserted with more than ordinary zeal, when many deceivers are entered into the world. We hear much of the philosophical character of the day: "that the ages of intolerant bigotry are succeeded by an age of liberal forbearance; that the rights of conscience are too well understood and established to be in danger hereafter; and therefore, that the reign of persecution is over." let no Christian be thrown off his guard by these good words and fair speeches, which deceive the hearts of the simple. That we may, at present, worship our God without molestation of person or property, is true: and it is an inestimable privilege. But let us refer it to the right cause, and not array a philosophy "falsely so called," in the honors which are due to our Redeemer alone. Enmity against his cross and followers, as implacable and active as ever, is limited by that sovereign control which makes the wrath of man to praise him, and restrains the remainder of wrath. Let that control be taken off, and the next hour thousands will arise to mingle your blood with your sacrifices." No! we ascribe no

thing, for we owe nothing, to the mitigated spirit of the world. But we owe every thing, and therefore ascribe every thing, to the grace of our Lord Jesus. We thank HIM, and not the liberality of the times, that our gospel-table is spread, and we surround it "without fear." The foe stands by and burns with rage, that he must look on, but may not disturb. Under his eye, and within his reach, we safely break our bread and pour out our wine. Blessed Jesus! We adore thee for thy protection! Thou alone hast prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies!

(3.) This bounty of our Lord is likewise accompanied with marks of singular condescension. Thou anointest my head with oil.

Here, again, we must recur to a custom prevalent in the East-the custom of anointing the head with scented oil. In those hot climates, this was a most agreeable service, refreshing the guest, and perfuming the apartment; while it was performed, if not by the hands of the "good man of the house," at least by his direction. Anointing the head with oil, is, therefore, an emblem of happiness arising from the kindest offices of friendship. Scriptural usage applies it to the Holy Spirit, who is, emphatically, the oil of gladness, wherewith the Savior himself was anointed, and with which he anoints the