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 enemics, they are made the reluctant VOL. II.

5

witnesses of his comfort.

But

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 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

heads of his people. In other words, the Holy Spirit, who rested without measure upon the Lord Jesus, and by this measureless communication of all divine gifts and graces, constituted him the CHRIST, the ANOINTED, rests likewise upon all the members of his mystical body; communicating to them out of his fullness, a suitable measure of gifts and grace. For they have an unction from the Holy One, on account of which God calls them his ANOINTED, his Christs,* and by the efficacy of which they become Christians. This David knew and has expressed: this all believers know and experience. The Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of the Son, God sends forth into their hearts, crying Abba, Father. He, therefore, dwells in them as the spirit of grace and supplication, and the immediate efficient of all their spiritual character and joy. Receiving of that which is Christ's, and showing it unto them, he mortifies their corruptions, quickens their graces, enlightens their darkness, dispels their fears. His name is COMFORTER; and when he descends upon them in his exhilarating power, solacing them with his love, beautifying

* 1 Chron. xvi. 22. Psalm cv. 15. The word in Hebrew up, equivalent to the Greek Xgisros, (Christ) and like it signifying Anointed, is applied primarily to the Redeemer, and secondarily to believers, on account of their union with him, and participation of his Spirit.

them with his salvation, and breathing around them his fragrant grace, they have all that is signified by the emblem of the text: their heads are anointed with fresh oil.

(4.) To conclude his animated description, saith David, runneth over.

Му сир,

Wine distributed in a cup, by the master of the house, among his guests, closed a Jewish entertainment and hence both in scriptural and common language, an overflowing cup is the symbol of complete satisfaction; or, as the subject requires, of consummate wo. There can be no dispute about its meaning in the present instance. It proclaims the blessedness of the man whom God hath chosen and caused to approach unto him. This, their communion with him in the Lord Jesus; this defense against their enemies; this participation of the Holy Ghost, fills up their souls. Jehovah is the portion of their cup: they know it, they rejoice in it, and they

ask no more.

Such "marvellous loving-kindness" from the Hope of Israel," may find, but cannot leave, a hard and unbelieving heart. The psalmist, therefore, follows the enumeration of his mercies with the tribute of his faith and gratitude, which is in verse 6, and composes the

II. Part of the psalm.