,
but still he knew and acted under the influence of that knowledge,
that unless the Lord build the house, the builders lose their pains;
unless the Lord keep the city, the watchmen watch in vain. He, as well
as worldly men, chose the means best adapted to the end proposed. Let
natural men assert, and let it be admitted, that David knew better how
to use a sling and a stone, than mail, helmet, and sword; therefore he
chose them. But follow David until he meets the hostile foe. Do we
hear a word of his art as a slinger, as a marksman? though we may
suppose he was expert at both. 'Thou comest to me with a sword, a
spear, and a shield; but I come in the name of the Lord of hosts, the
God of the armies of Israel whom thou hast defied; and this assembly
shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear'--these are
not essential--'for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you
into our hands.'

"How comfortably might Christians go through life did they walk
with God in their daily business and occupations, carefully observing
the leadings of Providence, cautiously avoiding either running before
or lagging behind; but in all things making their requests known to
God; at all times committing their way to him, being careful about
nothing, but to use with diligence the means of grace, and also the
means of acquiring the good things of life, leaving the issues of both
to God, in the full assurance that what is good the Lord will give.
'Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed.' In spirituals and in temporals, 'the hand
of the diligent maketh rich.' Be 'not slothful in business, fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord.'

"Lord, teach me thy law graciously, in all its perfection, its
extent, order, beauty, and harmony, and grant me all the assistance
provided to enable a lost, depraved, corrupted child of Adam, to set
out in thy good ways, to go forward, and to finish in the same course;
and all the consolation, joy, and peace which thou hast provided to be
enjoyed in a measure even here, and to be perfected in the world to
come. Amen.

"'O Israel, return unto the Lord, for thou hast fallen by thine
iniquity.' Hos. 14. Yes, fallen, O how fallen from God the only good,
the fountain of happiness. Lost his image, which was the glory of man
in paradise. Lost that sweet complacency and delight in his
perfections and attributes which innocence enjoyed. Lost rec