May 18

"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." — Psalms 119:111.

THE Bible contains the testimony which God has given to the children of men. His name is inscribed on the fair volume of nature, but not in such bright and clear characters as in the book of revelation. We are peculiarly privileged in having the two-fold testimony of the law and the Gospel. Let us imitate David in the use he made of God's word. Observe

THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE. It is the Christian's heritage.

How extensive. All earthly possessions compared with this, are but as a drop to the ocean, or an atom to the globe. Look at the perfections of God's nature, the purposes of his grace, the plans of his mercy, the promises of his word, and the provisions of his covenant, and see the extent of the believer's heritage.

How secure. Upon all the glory there is a defence. How remarkably have the Scriptures been preserved in the midst of innumerable efforts to exterminate them from the earth; no less secure is the believer's interest in the glorious blessings they reveal. These are the sure mercies of David.

How durable. "An heritage for ever." On earth we do but catch a glimpse of the glories of this inheritance, obtain our title, and are preparing for the period when death shall open the gates, and we shall enter on the full possession of it.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BELIEVER.

His act. "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever." This act is personal, voluntary, deliberate, and wise, and regards perpetuity. If we would extract sweetness from the Scriptures, we must not merely read them, but take them and bind them around our heart. It is not the bee's touching of the flowers that gathers honey, but her abiding on them, and drawing out the sweet.

His joy. "For they are the rejoicing of my heart." All that have cordially received and experimentally felt them, will find this to be the case.