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Christ. Some of them actually are so applied, both by our Lord himself, and by his Apostles.

1. The whole life of David was a continued scene of warfare and trouble, for the purpose of increasing the glory and prosperity of Israel; yet did he frequently experience the most ungrateful returns. Still, however, he trusted in his God, and led a life of faith and holy confidence. Notwithstanding the difficulties with which he was continually surrounded, his eye was stedfastly fixed upon him, from whom alone can be derived safety and protection.

Similar to his, when viewed in a spiritual light, was the life of the Son of God. He daily encountered both human and diabolical opposition, in his unwearied labours for the benefit of his creatures; yet the very persons, who are thus indebted to him, did and do still vex him with their perverseness and rebellion. The same generous forbearance, which David shewed to his enemy Saul when placed within his power, was shewn in an infinitely more eminent degree by Christ, when he prayed for his malicious adversaries.

There is, however, one circumstance in the life of David, which deserves to be particularly mentioned; he was betrayed by his intimate friend and counsellor Ahitophel; and the traitor afterwards hanged himself, touched with remorse at the treachery and ingratitude of which he had been. guilty.

To this flagrant act of treason the Hebrew prince alludes in more than a single passage.

Oh! that I had wings like a dove; for then would I flee away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I get me away far off, and remain in the wilderness-It is not an open enemy, that hath done me this dishonour; for then I could have borne it. Neither was it mine adversary, that did magnify himself against me; for then, peradventure, I would have hid myself from him: but it was even thou, my companion, my guide, and mine own familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together, and walked in the house of God as friends-He laid his hands upon such as be at peace with him, and he brake his covenant. The words of his mouth were softer than butter, having war in his heart; his words were smoother than oil, and yet be they very swords."

Yea, even mine own familiar friend, whom I trusted, who did also eat of my bread, hath laid great wait for me."

But, though Ahitophel be here primarily intended, every person must perceive, how accurately in his character is delineated the perfidy of Judas. Nor is this a mere accidental resemblance: that the one was a type of the other, and consequently David of Christ, cannot be doubted, because our Lord expressly applies the latter of the above-cited passages to Judas.' This is further evident from the decision of the Apostles, who refer to Judas

what David spoke primarily of Ahitophel. This

Psalm lv. 6, 7, 12—14, 20, 21.

3 John xiii. 18. Bible with Marg. Ref.

2 Psalm xli. 9.

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Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas-Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein and his bishoprick let another take.'

2. As the character of David is typical of the humiliation and sufferings of Christ; so, in the peaceable and splendid reign of Solomon, the glorious and heavenly kingdom of the Messiah is figuratively delineated. The magnificent temple built by that prince is only a faint representation of the celestial mansion built without hands, prepared for all such as love God. aucient tabernacle, expressive of unsettled life, remained in use. build a permanent place of worship for God: but his request was not granted. That honour was reserved to grace the peaceful age of Solomon.

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Till his reign, the a wandering and David sought to

In a similar manner, the Christian views this world as one grand tabernacle, beautiful indeed, yet not destined for perpetuity. He looks forward with the eye of faith towards a heavenly city, a glorious everlasting temple, whose maker and builder is God. Christ himself, in the days of his pilgrimage, had no fixed abode; nor has he left a permanent place of worship to his disciples. Conformed to their Lord and Master in his sufferings, like him they consider this world only as the land of their sojourning. But, in a short time, the transient tabernacle of sublunary devotion will give

Acts i. 16, 20.

place to the glorious and eternal temple, whose foundations are in the holy hill of the heavenly Zion. The reign of the true Solomon will commence, nor will its lustre ever suffer an eclipse; but the righteous shall rejoice in his presence, and their souls shall live for ever and ever.

XII. Such is the connection between the three dispensations; which may be traced through a long series of typical characters, and which may be discovered amidst all the obscurity of ritual ob

servances.

Wonderful are the counsels of God, and marvellous are the workings of his Providence. The shadows are now passed away, and the day-spring from on high hath visited us. The light diffused by the Sun of Righteousness enables us to perceive, that the whole both of Patriarchism and of the Law centres with a fatal exactness in one point. Figures and types have been displayed at different periods, during the space of four thousand years; princes, prophets, and ceremonies, all tend the same way, and form a magnificent train preceding the Messiah towards that second temple, the glory. of which was to surpass the glory of the first. Another procession, headed by the victorious Lamb, and conducted by the Apostles and Martyrs, presses forward towards the same place of rest. Multitudes from all nations and all countries swell the procession. Its numbers increase, as it advances; and will continue increasing, till time itself shall be no more.

What a glorious subject of contemplation for

'the Christian! How much does this scene eclipse the boasted splendor of a Roman triumph! Imagine that you behold an immense army, slowly advancing towards the imperial city, the New Jerusalem. First in order march the Patriarchs, the Prophets, and all the faithful of the Jewish church. Next comes the mighty Conqueror himself; his garments dyed in his own blood, and his sword girt upon his thigh, dragging at his chariotwheels his reluctant enemies. Lastly, behold an innumerable crowd, led on by the holy Apostles, and preceded by the noble army of Martyrs, chanting with one voice the praises of the Almighty WORD of God. At length the gorgeous portals of heaven rise full in their view, and with transports of exultation, they exclaim, Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. The angels, astonished that such a strain of joy should ascend from the earth, long the abode of sin and misery, reply, Who is this King of glory? The redeemed answer with triumph, It is the Lord, strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle; he is the King of glory. The gates are now thrown open, and the triumph of the Church commences. The faithful spouse is united to her Redeemer, never more to be separated from him; never more to be exposed to danger, trouble, and persecution. Angels chant the epithalamium; and the Almighty

'See Bp. Horne's Comment, on Psalm xxiv.

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