November 23

"Thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes."—Psalms 26:3.

IN the last exercise the interesting vision of God's loving kindness passed under our review: let us now contemplate

THE BENEFITS RESULTING FROM A CONTINUAL VIEW OF IT.

It will lead to repentance. And is not this an advantage? There is an indescribable feeling of comfort, even in that brokenness of heart, and melting of soul, which the true penitent feels. The tear-drop of spiritual sorrow is more brilliant than the glittering diamond sparkling in the sun-beam; but it shall be exhaled by the light of the Lord, and exchanged for the gem of pardon. A sight only of the justice, power, holiness, and truth of God, is not calculated to bring the tears of repentance; but when his loving-kindness is beheld darting forth its lovely rays, like a rainbow in the cloud, joy is the portion of the soul.

It will promote spirituality of mind. If our thoughts and desires are fixed much on this world, it will render us earthly and sensual; but the more our attention is led to God and heaven, the more shall we increase in spirituality of mind.

It will yield solace in affliction. In the season of gloom, we look too much at our trials, and too little at God's loving-kindness. Is the cloud of affliction so dark, that the light of God's countenance cannot penetrate it? It has sweetened many a bitter cup, and lightened many a heavy load.

It will enable us to triumph in death. God's loving-kindness will be a light to glisten on the dark waters of Jordan, enabling us to catch a glimpse of the opposite shore, before we have launched from this. What folly and madness do the ungodly discover, in preferring the scenes of vanity before their eyes, to the loving-kindness of God! Let me act a different part, and remember, for my encouragement, that if I have God's loving-kindness before my eyes on earth, I shall forever have it in my heart, and on my tongue in heaven.