Psalms 123:4

REFLECTIONS

Oh! for faith to be looking unto Jesus as those look to the world, who live upon its smiles. My soul! hadst thou but half the concern to please thy heavenly Master, as faithful servants of the world do their earthly lords; what blessings, even from the fountain-head of happiness, wouldest thou be living upon, and in the daily enjoyment of! How will a frown from a kind master wound a loving servant; and how will a smile encourage and gladden his heart. And is there a master so kind, so loving, so gracious, so abundant in goodness, as Jesus? And yet how little dost thou live to his glory; how little are thine eyes directed to his praise, or waiting for his favor!

Blessed Jesus! let this sweet Psalm be blessed to my perusal. Henceforth, Lord, let me learn to imitate the solicitude and affection of earthly servants, who are more earnest to oblige a fellow creature, than I have been to seek thy favor, which is better than life itself. Oh! thou that dwellest in the heavens, cause my soul to be lifted up unto thee. Draw me, Lord, that I may run after thee. And let the exercises of everything I meet with here below, be sanctified to endear Jesus to my heart; that while the masters and mistresses of earthly servants have their respect and homage from those that serve them, my soul may cry out, O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid; thou hast loosed my bonds.