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Taking David's conduct as an example to ourselves, we have brought before us the following truths: —

I. — TRUE GODLINESS ENGAGES THE SOUL'S SUPREME ATTENTION, EVEN IN TIME OF TRIAL.

1. It draws the thoughts away from self. Dwelling on sorrow increases its bitterness. It grows with observation. We concentrate our mind upon a thing until it becomes far larger than it really is.

2. It fills the void in the heart with consolation. Of all subjects religion is the most powerful thing in the world to occupy the attention, and in its presence every temporal affair sinks into the meanest insignificance.

II. — TRUE GODLINESS PLACES GOD'S HONOUR EVER BEFORE SELFISH EASE. When David left the city in flight, Zadok, the High Priest, brought the ark of God to follow the King.

1. David rejected mere outward symbols and signs. The symbolism of the temple had its proper place and use. It was to accomplish a great, and mighty, and mysterious purpose. But if religion has its public representation and form, it has also its private and individual functions as well.

2. God could help him just as welt without the help of priest, or tabernacle, or service as He could with. Time and place are nothing to God. The tears of the prisoner are as precious to him as the orison of a pope. David was very well content to leave himself in the hands of God without any extraneous help.

III. TRUE RELIGION IDENTIFIES MAN'S INTERESTS WITH GOD'S PURPOSES. We learn practically that the part for us to perform is,

(1) Passive trust and resignation to the divine will, and(2) Constant faith in God's dealing. David did not for one moment doubt. His trust was unshaken amid all his trouble. "If I find favour in His eyes, He will bring me again, but if not, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him." I am content to leave it in His hands.

(David Howell, D. D.)

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KJV: And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:

WEB: The king said to Zadok, "Carry back the ark of God into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of Yahweh, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation;