April 1

"We thought of thy loving-kindness, O God! in the midst of thy temple" Psalm xlvni. 9.

THESE are the words of David, and they accord with the sentiments and feelings of every true Christian. In them observe

A SACRED EXERCISE. Namely, Christian meditation.

It is an important duty. It is requisite for the formation of your Christian character, and your improvement in spiritual things. Reading, hearing, and the other exercises of religion, will be lost without holy meditation.

It is connected with difficulty. What! is it hard to think? Yes; there must be mental discipline. The powers of the mind must be brought to bear on holy objects. It is not a mere glance, a passing thought, or a hasty view, but a calm, steady, and deliberate contemplation.

It is associated with pleasure. Isaac felt it when he left the scenes of domestic intercourse, and went out into the field to meditate. David, amidst the splendors of royalty, could say, "My meditation of him shall be sweet; while I was musing, the fire burned."

It is attended with profit. By sacred meditation we ascend a high mountain, from whence we view the surrounding landscape; the higher we rise, the more do heavenly objects increase in magnitude, while the world and earthly scenes diminish in our view. But we have here

A DELIGHTFUL SUBJECT. The loving-kindness of God,

How vast! It includes more than the mind of man can grasp. Where is it to be seen? In creation, providence, and redemption. Refer to your own personal history; in how many instances do you see the loving-kindness of God displayed?

How interesting! We have thought — on what? On thy justice and vengeance? On the punishment inflicted on thine enemies? No: on something more encouraging and delightful to the mind — the exhibitions of Almighty love.

How elevating! Some things degrade the mind, but this ennobles it. In meditating on this subject, where are you? Walking with God; your communion is with the Father, and you conversation is in heaven.

A FAVORABLE SPOT. "In the midst of thy temple." There is

The cessation of occupations that would tend to prevent it. The objects of the world are hinderances to this sacred exercise, but there they are withdrawn: a solemn silence pervades the assembly, that bespeaks holy engagements.

The celebration of ordinances that are calculated to promote it. There is the Bible, which is a light shining in a dark place; there is the herald of the cross to unfold its truths; there are prayers and praises ascending to the throne above. Oh! who feels properly impressed under a sense of the Divine presence?