Psalms 58:11

REFLECTIONS

MY soul, pass over and forget all lesser considerations, while perusing this Psalm, to behold Jesus, thy almighty Saviour, beautifully set forth under these Michtams of David. It is true, thou mayest gather much instruction from beholding David's exercises under ungodly judgment, and similar exercises of the church in all ages upon like occasions, as are here represented. But how flat and uninteresting do all these appear, in comparison with the views afforded of Jesus, in his unequalled meekness under unjust judgment? Who that reads of the mockings and scourgings the Lamb of God went through, and at length hears Pilate's unjust sentence, can willingly take off his attention to look at the sufferings of others? Surely all, and every part of the oppressions which have taken place among men sink to nothing, when the judgment-hall of Pilate, and the mount of Calvary, arise in contemplation before us? Every heart feels constrained to take up the prophet's lamentation, and to say, Behold and see, was there ever any sorrow like unto thy sorrow, wherewith the Lord afflicted thee in the day of his fierce anger?

Precious Lamb of God! help me to be continually not only beholding thy sufferings, but connecting with them their blessed effects. Yes, holy Lord, I would behold thee on thy cross, and I would behold thee on thy throne: and in the united view and contemplation, I would desire grace to keep in mind, what the angels told the wondering disciples, that this same Jesus, who is gone into heaven, will come again to judgment, He will come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all that believe. Oh! for grace to be always on the look-out, that when thou shalt, come, my soul may arise with joy unspeakable to hail thy coming, and in thy righteousness to be found waiting thy approach, that the Lord my righteous Judge may give me at that day the crown of glory, as well as all them that love thy appearing.