the gracious effects flowing from the bare possession of the Ark even upon an Heathen and an Infidel; and without its being necessary to attribute to David any feeling of the base passion of envy at Another's prosperity, we see him wrought upon to take that Fountain of Blessedness away. David knew The SOURCE from Whence that Fountain Itself Sprung, and, Destined, as in Its origin It was, to refresh the hallowed Land of Judea, it was only natural in him to seek to bring back Its streams to their former channel. If in his hasty abandonment of this precious Treasure, because The DIVINE Displeasure had been Manifested, David had done exceedingly amiss, The LORD, he knew, Who is not Extreme to Mark what is done amiss, was Ready to Put away his sin from him. His resolution, therefore, was wisely taken to throw himself on the Mercy of his GOD: and, to inspire confidence in his Attendants, that they might not shrink from their office at the apprehension of the Omnipotence of GOD being again Displayed in Chastisement, David assumed the voice and action of Gladness; recollecting too, that from the want of some propitiatory sacrifice, and taught by the Mosaic Law that "without shedding of blood," there is no Remission of sins (by which the Shedding of the Precious Blood of CHRIST for that Great and Comprehensive Object, and its Glorious Attendant, the Sanctification of the Soul unto Honour in a fitness for Heavenly Things, was Typified), David prepares a free-will offering unto The LORD; and, aware that whatsoever we do, we should do all to the Glory of GOD, praises him in the dance. With the Pure all things are pure, and attitudes and gestures, corresponding with the flow of harmony, did not disgrace a King in the eyes of his People, when directed to the manifestation of faith in the Greatness and Goodness of GOD. Only in the proud spirit of Saul's Daughter was this seeming descent of David to familiarity with his Subjects held objectionable and degrading; but equality in Spiritual things is of the essence of true Religion; and when contemplating the Power of The KING of Heaven, Who Created all Things, and by Whom all Things Subsist, how can we deny that the mightiest Monarch upon Earth is indebted, equally with the Lowest of his Vassals, for that Supply of Spiritual Assistance, without a pious exercise of which it is vain to hope for Favour in the Sight of The LORD: and the more knowledge a mind possesses of Things, that Savour of The SPIRIT, the deeper will be the state of humiliation, into which it will throw itself to acknowledge its sense of GOD'S Superior Power and Excellence, and that no Man can be justified in His Sight, but must trust to His Mercies; and One, so wisely tutored in humility, will not find in his own Soul a desirc, or even a thought, of arrogating superiority over the Souls of Others. David had, it seems, the confidence of hope, that his endeavours would be crowned with success, and prepared, therefore beforehand, a tent for the Ark's reception, and for the refreshment for all the attendant People of Israel. What an august picture does this give of a Royal Triumph in a Holy Cause-a Procession comprising tens of Thousands of Israel, hallowing the beginning and ending of their march with dedicatory rites to The GOD of their worship, and solemnizing its progress with the voice of melody and the action of delight; and after the last sacrifice, the King coming forward, as GOD'S Vicegerent, and pronouncing a Benediction in the fire of eloquence and fervour of holy love on His People. And all this too for an object, which in spirit it is equally practicable for every One to obtain, the inestimable Benefit of the Spiritual Reign within us by the Countenance and Favour of An Ever Present GOD; for which, therefore, we should as earnestly seek; and when received, should gratefully acknowledge, and as piously use. But large as was David's bounty to his People, and ardent as had been his service in their cause, yet was he not left without the means or the inclination to diffuse joy and comfort to the Circle of his domestic retirement. But Michal

would not be comforted, by reason of that false pride, to which she yielded her worship; and lest a Stock should spring from so unpromising a Root, That GOD, Whose is the fruit of the womb, Shut up hers in barrenness. Thus instancing the truth, that pride goeth before a fall, it cost Michal the Favour of her LORD in Heaven and of her Lord upon Earth; and she, who might have been envied by all of her Sex, in her Generation, for the love that David bore to her, and her honourable connection with him, fell from the fondness of his embraces to sink into a state of comparative celibacy and neglect-the Victim of that pride she had foolishly cherished-the Mock of those who had envied her-and the Prey of Self-condemnation. David's answer to her opprobious accusation of him was in the spirit of That Wisdom, which cometh from The FATHER of Light. "It was before The LORD:" and whatever is so consecrated is to be held Holy. “What GOD hath Cleansed, That call not thou common!" What He hath Condescended to Accept, do not thou unfavourably regard! "I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight." What an exemplary profession this of the duty of humility in our dealings with The ALMIGHTY! Though David had once manifested displeasure at His Judgment upon Another, yet with reference to himself did he think no state of humiliation and trial too great. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted; and before honour is humility; for the haughty looks shall be brought low and in David and Michal these truths were severally exemplified.

In the Book of Chronicles the effect of the continuance of the Ark in the house of Obed-edom is in like manner recorded :

"And the Ark of GOD remained with the Family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And The LORD Blessed the House of Obed-edom and all that he had."-1 Chron. xiii, 14.

The account of the subsequent removal of the Ark, as contained in the Book of Chronicles, is more circumstantial than that in the Book of Samuel, and is as follows:

“And David made him houses in the City of David, and prepared a place for the Ark of GOD; and pitched for It a Tent. Then David said, 'None ought to carry the Ark of GOD, but the Levites; for them hath The LORD Chosen to carry the Ark of GOD, and to minister unto Him for ever.' And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark of The LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for It. And David assembled the Children of Aaron and the Levites: of the Sons of Kohath; Uriel the Chief, and his Brethren an hundred and twenty: of the Sons of Merari; Asaiah the Chief, and his Brethren two hundred and twenty of the Sons of Gershom; Joel the Chief, and his Brethren an hundred and thirty of the Sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the Chief, and his Brethren two hundred of the Sons of Hebron, Eliel the Chief, and his Brethren four score: of the Sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the Chief, and his Brethren an hundred and twelve. And David called for Zadok and Abiathar, the Priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel. Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Aminadab, and said unto them, Ye are the Chief of the Fathers of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, both ye and your Brethren! that ye may bring up the Ark of The LORD GOD of Israel unto the Place that I have prepared for It. For because ye did it not at the first, The LORD, our GOD, Made a Breach upon us, for that we sought Him not after due Order.' So the Priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the Ark of The LORD GOD of Israel. And the Children of the Levites bare the Ark of GOD upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the Word of The Lord. And David spake to the Chief of the Levites to appoint their Brethren to be the Singers with instruments of music, psalteries, and harps, and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. So the Levites appointed

Heman, the Son of Joel; and of his Brethren, Asaph, the Son of Berechiah; and of the Sons of Merari their Brethren, Ethan, the Son of Kushaiah; and with them their Brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel and Unni, Eliab and Benaiah, and Maaseiah and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the Porters. So the Singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass: and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah with psalteries on Alamoth: and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. And Chenaniah, Chief of the Levites, was for song; he instructed about the song, because he was skilful: and Berechiah and Elkanah were Doorkeepers for the Ark. And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the Priests did blow with the trumpets before the Ark of GOD: and Obed-edom and Jehiah were Doorkeepers for the Ark. So David and the Elders of Israel, and the Captains over Thousands, went to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of The LORD out of the house of Obed-edom with joy. And it came to pass, when GOD Helped the Levites, that bare the Ark of the Covenant of The LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites, that bare the Ark, and the Singers, and Chenaniah, the Master of the song, with the Singers: David also had upon him an Ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of The LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. And it came to pass, as the Ark of the Covenant of The LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, the Daughter of Saul, looking out at a window, saw King David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart. So they brought the Ark of GOD, and set It in the midst of the Tent, that David had pitched for It; and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before GOD. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the People in the Name of The LORD. And he dealt to every One of Israel, both Man and Woman, to every One a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. he appointed Certain of the Levites to minister before the Ark of The LORD, and to record; and to thank and praise The LORD GOD of Israel: Asaph the Chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries, and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; Benaiah also and Jahaziel, the Priests, with trumpets continually before the Ark of the Covenant of GOD. Then on that day David delivered first this Psalm, to thank The LORD, into the hand of Asaph and his Brethren. Give thanks unto The LORD! Call upon His Name! Make known His Deeds among the People! Sing unto Him! Sing Psalms unto Him! Talk ye of All His Wondrous Works! Glory ye in His Holy Name! Let the heart of Them rejoice, that seek The LORD! Seek The LORD and His Strength! Seek His Face continually! Remember His Marvellous Works, that He hath Done, His Wonders, and the Judgments of His Mouth; O ye Seed of Israel, His Servant; ye Children of Jacob, His Chosen Ones! HE is The LORD, our GOD; His Judgments are in all the Earth. Be ye mindful always of His Covenant; the Word, Which He Commanded to a thousand Generations; even of the Covenant, Which He Made with Abraham, and of His Oath unto Isaac; and hath Confirmed the Same to Jacob for a Law, and to Israel for an Everlasting Covenant, saying, ‘Unto thee will I Give the Land of Canaan, the Lot of your Inheritance, when ye were but few, even a few, and Strangers in it:' and when they went from Nation to Nation, and from one Kingdom to another People: He Suffered no Man to do them wrong; yea, He Reproved Kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not Mine Anointed, and do

And

My Prophets no harm! Sing unto The LORD, all the Earth! Shew forth from day to day His Salvation! Declare His Glory among the Heathen; His Marvellous Works among all Nations! For Great is The LORD, and greatly to be Praised: He also is to be feared above all gods; for all the gods of the People are idols. But The LORD Made the Heavens: Glory and Honour are in His Presence: Strength and Gladness are in His Place. Give unto The LORD ye Kindreds of the People, give unto The LORD Glory and Strength! Give unto The LORD the Glory due unto His Name: bring an offering, and come before Him! Worship The LORD in the beauty of Holiness! Fear before Him all the Earth! The World also shall be stable, that it be not moved. Let the Heavens be glad, and let the Earth rejoice; and let Men say among the Nations. The LORD Reigneth:' Let the Sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the Fields rejoice, and all that is therein! Then shall the Trees of the Wood sing out at the Presence of The LORD, because He Cometh to Judge the Earth. O give thanks unto The LORD! For He is Good; for His Mercy Endureth for Ever; and say ye, 'Save us, O GOD of our Salvation, and Gather us together, and Deliver us from the Heathen, that we may give thanks to Thy Holy Name, and glory in Thy Praise! Blessed be The LORD GOD of Israel for Ever and Ever! And all the People said, 'Amen!' and praised The LORD."-1 Chron. xv, and xvi from 1 to 36.

From this account it seems probable that David consulted the Oracle of GOD, in like manner as he did on the hostility of the Philistines being directed against him, whether he should go up to fetch the Ark of the Covenant of GOD to His holy City; and in what way the removal of It would be Acceptable to Him, Who Seeth not as Man seeth. The choice of the Levites, the peculiar direction for their sanctifying themselves, the preparation and dedication of the Sacrifices, marked a mind deeply impressed with a reverential sense of the value of the Ark-but still more deeply, a sense of the Higher Value of The ALMIGHTY'S Favour, as on That Depended whether the Ark should bring to Israel prosperity, as unto Obed-edom, or desolation, as unto Uzzah. The order and arrangement of the different Bands and Companies forming the Processionthe stated periods for offering of Sacrifice-the influence of sacred music, backed by such holy love in David himself, all concurred to diffuse over the minds of his People the sacredness of the Treasure, they were seeking to recover; and to cherish in their Spirits an awful conviction of the Continual Presence and Irresistible Power of That GOD, Whose Covenant with them the Ark inclosed, and of Whose Promise of Mercies towards them the Ark was the Depository. Nor was David's care of the Ark, when obtained and lodged in his City, less pious and observable than that employed in Its removal; thus admonishing us that a Service, to be well pleasing in the Sight of GOD, should be a continuing and a consistent Service, and that the heart, truly devoted unto Him, is not content to serve Him by fits and starts, but is ever mindful of the Honour due unto His Name. The most memorable record of this most pious office of David, in the removal of the Ark, and which marks the false view that Michal took of it, and confirms, beyond the possibility of doubt, the perfect reverence and devotional feelings with which the Procession was conducted, is the Hymn, which David composed for, and which was first used on the occasion: It is a Composition big with the most exalted piety, and characteristic of a most Spiritually Illuminated mind. In its opening he invokes the just feeling and acknowledgment of gratitude in All present with him on so grand and solemn an occasion; and, in manifestation of this feeling, he calls upon them to put forth their energies of mind and body-to awaken in themselves a recollection of The DIVINE Goodness and Mercy, that they should speak of the Excellent Greatness, That Belongs to their CREATOR, and with the sweet voice of joy

should praise Him as their REDEEMER and SANCTIFIER; heightening their melody with instruments of music. And, Oh, that all Men would in like manner, and with like spirit, "praise The LORD for His Goodness, and declare the Wonders That He Doeth for the Children of Men!" With a heart actuated by the most Parental influence, King David then goes on in this Hymn to exhort his Companions and Subjects to "seek The LORD (as we should do) while, haply, He may be Found; and to seek the Salvation of His Strength, while It is nigh;" for vain is the arm of flesh, unless The ALMIGHTY Nerve it with an Emanation from His SOVEREIGN Power. And as the Countenance of The LORD, when Beaming with Satisfaction or Mercy (which It invariably and unfailingly does towards All who, with godly sincerity and holy reverence, look unto It for the Blessing of Support and Protection) is the Assurance of Salvation, This Inestimable Good David instructs his Followers (and us through them) to seek continually, that the desire of It should be ever uppermost in our hearts, and the study to attain It our chiefest and most indefatigable occupation. After this general admonition and exhortation, which Gentiles and Christians, as well as Jews, should hail, in grateful memorial of this highly inspired Counsellor and King, David points to the Peculiar Blessings and Deliverances in The DIVINE Dispensations Vouchsafed to the Israelitish People; and in that Revelation of The DIVINE Will, and Communication of DIVINE Wisdom, Which are Recorded in the Oracles of GOD, The Holy Scriptures. After enumerating Many of GOD'S Providences for the Jews, and feeling with a Soul that looked Prophetically on the Great Benefits Thereby Accrued and Accruing to, and still further Reserved for Mankind at large, he then again breaks out into this beautiful apostrophe, "Sing unto The LORD, all the Earth! Shew forth from day to day His Salvation: declare His Glory among the Heathen; His Marvellous Works among all Nations!" Anxious as was David to recover for himself and his own People the Ark, as the Sacred Pledge of GOD'S Especial Care, yet was he not a Monopolist of The DIVINE Favour, but zealous that the Nations of the Heathen, by forsaking their idols, should become Converts to the true Faith; and that all the Earth should have the knowledge of The LORD, and share the Brightness of His Countenance and the Might of His Protecting Arm, by "seeking The LORD and His Strength, and seeking His Face continually," David then declares why the idols should be deserted, and The LORD JEHOVAH Alone be worshipped, since "He Made the Heavens," which are above the Earth; since, also, "Glory and Honour are in His Presence, Strength and Gladness in His Sanctuary." Then immediately addressing Those around him, the Royal Psalmist calls upon them, as the Kindred of the People Israel, “to give glory to GOD in the Highest," to dedicate the free-will offerings of their sanctified hearts unto Him, "and to worship Him in the beauty of Holiness." And with a direction of thought, as flowing with more rapidity than lightning, from a contemplation of the Greatness and Stupendous MAJESTY of HEAVEN, he says, "Fear before Him all the Earth!" inculcating from his own conviction of the Omnipotence of The MOST HIGH, the salutary lesson of reverential awe towards Him, before Whom the very Devils tremble. But then again returning to the more acceptable contemplation of The DIVINE Goodness, and the Diffusion of the Tenderest Mercies over all GOD'S Works, he calls upon all Creation, Spiritual as well as Natural, Celestial as well as Terrestial, to unite in spreading the praises of That GOD, Who is KING of Kings and LORD of Lords, and Who Ruleth over all the Nations of the Earth. Let the Heavens be glad, and let the Earth rejoice, and let Men say among the Nations, The LORD Reigneth! All, indeed, that are in Heaven, are continually gladdened with the conviction of the great Truth, that A GOD, so Abundant in Mercy, and of so

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