:

is the shortest, and the only successful way. Above all, "be clothed with humility and have the ornament of a meek and lowly spirit,"-for of such flowers it may truly be said, that, "Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

XXII.

PSALM XXVII. 4.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after."

THIS language might be adopted, in part, with great sincerity by persons of every age, station and character. It is by no means peculiar to the devout writer, nor to pious men to desire one thing above all others, and to seek after it with energy and diligence. Even the endless variety of trifling pursuits and vain desires which occupy the youthful mind may generally be comprehended under some one object, towards the attainment of which they are all directed.

The " one thing" desired by some, and which in a thousand different ways they determine to seek after, is admiration. It is in pursuit of this object that many devote their hours and their energies to dress. Others, for the same purpose, to the acquirement of various accomplishments: and some, with no higher aim, will even be at the pains of storing their minds with useful knowledge. Others, again, will engage in the active offices of charity and benevolence; and (worst of all,) are there not some who will even make a fair show of religion itself, with no better object in view, than this 66 one thing," to obtain the applause and admiration of their fellow creatures?

There are many of a different temper of mind, who, amid a thousand changing pursuits and varying wishes,

yet may be said to desire that "one thing," pleasurè : and this according to their ages, tastes and opportunities, they eagerly seek after; in toys, in sports, in idleness, in feasting, in company: whatever be the particular means, still the grand aim, the "one thing" desired, is to please, and to enjoy themselves; "that will they seek after."

There is a very large proportion of mankind with whom the "one thing" desired is riches. For this they rise early, and sit up late; and there are none who can more emphatically employ the language of our text; none who more industriously and ardently seek after their object.

But there are some among the young as well as those of maturer age whose "one thing" is of a higher order than any of these :-some in whom natural taste, united with the advantages of education, has inspired a true love of knowledge, who thirst for mental improvement: their state of feeling is expressively described by Solomon, who had himself fully experienced it,-"Through desire, a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom." How feelingly and ardently do such exclaim, "One thing have I desired, that will I seek after!"

Under these general heads it would be easy to enter into particulars; but this may be more profitably referred to the experience of the reader. Let each one inquire, what is the one important thing to which, at the present moment, all his thoughts and activity are directed. If it should happen to be something so trifling, so useless, so unworthy, or so silly, that they would be ashamed to specify it, yet let them not hesitate to detect and confess it to themselves; it might be useful to pause for an instant, and say, "So then, among all the important objects of pursuit which may engage the attention of an intelligent being, this is the one thing' which I have desired, and after which I am resolved, above all others

to seek." Every one indeed, who has observed, with any accuracy, the workings of his own mind, must be aware what intenseness of desire, what eagerness of pursuit are frequently devoted to things so essentially trifling that they weary or disgust as soon as they are possessed.

But now, with regard to all the desirers and seekers that have been alluded to, whether their attention be directed to vain and trifling, or to lawful and rational objects of pursuit, yet if their aims rise no higher, how suitable is that remark once made to as amiable and hopeful a young person as any who will peruse this page; "One thing thou lackest."

"that

Let us then, first inquire, what is that "one thing" which David in the text desires of the Lord; and, secondly, consider the means he employed for the fulfilment of this desire. Now, the remainder of the verse fully explains that the grand object of the holy Psalmist's ambition was no other than the "one thing needful.”. "One thing have I desired of the Lord," he says, will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple." That is, he wishes, above all things, to be a servant of God, and to live a life of holy obedience, and of communion with him. What an unspeakable difference between this desire and all others, however lawful or reasonable! Earthly hopes, the very best of them, are liable to disappointment, are founded on uncertainty, and frequently terminate in mortification and disgust. But this one, if sincere, will not only be certainly fulfilled, but when attained, will fully satisfy, and even surpass expectation; besides, that it includes in it all that is really good in our earthly wishes. Let us examine it more particularly.

"That I may dwell in the house of the Lord,"-that is, he hoped to be continually favoured with the outward

means of grace; those means which we are so apt to undervalue. It was no weariness to David to go up to the house of the Lord, but his delight. How much more profitable would the services of religion be if this feeling were more general! if we were to attend them expecting and desiring spiritual blessings! And observe, David desired to dwell there "all the days of his life," not only in his declining days, when he should have done with the affairs of the world; but during his years of health and vigour; and when, if he had wanted to make excuse, he had the splendours of the court and the business of the state to dissipate his thoughts, and occupy his time. Happy they who thus desire to be early" planted in the house of the Lord;" for such only are likely to "flourish in the courts of their God." Nor should any expect to bring forth much fruit in old age, but those who, like David, desire to dwell there all their days.

But his object was "to behold the beauty of the Lord:" this indeed is the sum of true religion; for when once the eyes of the mind are spiritually enlightened to perceive his infinite excellence, the desires will be no longer going after earthly good. It is only from blindness that we love creatures more than God. It was in consequence of thus beholding His beauty that David not only could say, "Whom have I in heaven but thee!" but was able to add, what is far more difficult, "there is. none upon earth that I desire besides thee." It is the most lamentable consequence of our depraved hide God and his perfections from our view. though we behold so much of his glory in the works of his hands-for "all his works praise him," and so much of his bounty and goodness in the conduct of his provi dence, for "he openeth his hand and satisfieth the desires of every living thing," yet we see him not, we know him not, our hearts are at enmity with him, and we per ceive no beauty in him that we should desire him,"

nature to

And al

till helift up the light of his countenance upon us: then we behold the beauty of the Lord."

And having once had a glimpse of his excellence, it will be our chief business and pleasure "to inquire in His temple;" to wait at the posts of His doors: to learn His will, to do His commandments, and to be taught the whole of His truth. The more we know of God, the more we shall desire to know.

But secondly; what means did David employ for the attainment of that "one thing" which he desired? First, he desired it" of the Lord;" secondly, he determined to "seek after it," that is, he prayed and he endeavoured. These means united, ensured his success. How many fail and come short in religion from neglecting one, or the other, or both! Desires after some acquaintance with God, and for a religious life, are very common. Few indeed, if any, who have had religious instruction, but have known some wishes of this nature. And why is it that they so frequently become fainter and fainter till at last they disappear amid the cares or pleasures of this life, but because they were not accompanied by prayer, and endeavour; fervent prayer and persevering endeavour? This only can be the reason; for the promise is explicit and unqualified," Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find;"- "He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Therefore it is most certain, that if any remain ignorant of God; unconscious of their need; and unacquainted with Jesus and the way of salvation; or if they are cold and lifeless in religion, it is because they have not made known their desires to the Lord, nor effectively determined to seek after him.

This subject affords encouragement to those who are conscious of lively desires and sincere determinations of devoting themselves to the service of God. If, after counting the cost, and looking round upon the pleasures

VOL. I.

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