August 15 PM

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I; let him do to me as it seemeth good unto him. 2 Sam. 15:26.

Here is majesty in distress: a kingdom in confusion: and the king’s royal heart struck with a panic. Every circumstance concurs to heighten poor David’s sorrow. His own son had stolen away the heart of his subjects—raised a most unnatural rebellion against his royal father, and caused him to flee from his city. Very excellently, says one, “Let a child of God be but two or three years without an affliction, and he is almost good for nothing. He cannot pray, nor meditate, nor discourse at that rate he was wont to do. But when a new affliction comes, he finds his tongue: he comes to his knees with fervency, and lives at another rate.” Perhaps David was never more weaned from self-confidence, nor did his faith ever run higher, nor was his soul bowed lower, nor did he ever breathe with more humble submission to divine sovereignty, than at this time. O, how does his grace shine in this speech! As though he had said to Zadock, the Priest, “Return with the ark: I hope I shall have the Lord’s real presence with me, though I have not the symbol of it. I see myself in his hands. I firmly believe God’s everlasting love to me. He is my Saviour and my salvation. I know my immortal soul is safe. How he will direct the event of this dark providence, I know not. If it appears that the Lord has no delight in me, as the king of his people; if he suffers my crown and kingdom to be taken from me, his will be done. He has a sovereign right to pull down one, and set up another. By him kings reign: by his will they are disposed. Behold, here am I: let him do unto me as it seemeth good unto him. Love makes all things work together for good.” O, Christian! dost thou not admire his faith in his God, his resignation to his divine will, his submission to sovereign purposes, and his unreserved acquiescence with the counsel of the Lord? Let that man blush, who would dare impeach the character, or speak of the faith of David in a diminutive sense, as though it were weak in the power and goodness of the Lord, not to be compared with the faith of a Christian. O for more of the grace of faith, to follow the bright example of this Old Testament saint! Though his own beloved son, though his own dear subjects were against him; though driven from his palace, yet the presence of his God and the power of his Spirit were with him. Well might David say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” (Psa. 119:71.) Ever remember, O soul, whatever thy afflictions may be, whoever may be against thee, to heighten them, and aggravate thy sorrows, yet the Lord hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

May we possess that humble frame,

Which casts the soul on God;

And trusts and waits upon his name,

Tho’ chastened by his rod.