This is also a blessed Psalm, containing, in a few brief words, the same most important doctrine which was taught also in the preceding Psalm,—that we are not to trust in our own righteousness or works: and it attacks all proud and arrogant hypocrites, who, by human strength, attempt works beyond all human powers, namely to pacify God; and understand not the power of grace nor the remission of sins; but endeavour to pacify God by their own works. “My heart is not lifted up,” (saith the Psalmist); as if he had said, Those proud saints (as they imagine themselves) being ignorant of all trials and temptations, and spiritual things, trust greatly in their own works, and know not what sin is, nor what the anger and judgment of God are. But I, being broken down and humbled by these things, know what they are. For whenever I leave off to trust closely and wholly to the promise of grace; as often as I cease to suck the breast of mercy and promised pardon, my rest is gone, and I begin to weep and howl with distresses and straits of conscience; just as a little newly-weaned infant cries unceasingly, night and day, for the breast of its mother which it has lost. The sum therefore of all true religion and godliness is this, “Let Israel hope in the Lord:” that is, there is no other salvation, there is no other consolation, there is no other sure peace of conscience for any mortal, than the apprehending and embracing the promise of grace. Take care, therefore, that thou neglect not this true mother’s breast for thy soul; take heed that thou lose it not out of thy mouth; for this breast alone is that which can relieve, refresh, and quiet thirsting and sinking consciences, in any of their agonies on account of sin. Christ alone is eternal life, peace, and consolation! PSALM CXXXII. _David in his prayer commendeth unto God the religious care he had for the ark.—His prayer at the removing of the ark, with a repetition of God’s promises._ A Song of Degrees. LORD, remember David, _and_ all his afflictions; How he sware unto the LORD, _and_ vowed unto the mighty _God_ of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, _or_ slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty _God_ of Jacob. Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah; we found it in the fields of the wood. We will go into his tabernacles; we will worship at his footstool. Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. For thy servant David’s sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. The LORD hath sworn _in_ truth unto David, he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.