His work extends no further than to the end of the Book of Psalms; from which the subjects of the greater number of his essays are derived. His table of contents exhibits a collected view of his subjects; from which it appears that he has not omitted any prominent prediction within the limits specified. His plan is to ascertain the sense, or rather to adopt the most interesting interpretation of the words; which he afterwards amplifies, dilates, enforces, and applies in their several parts. Take for example, the 21st and 22d Essays; which I do not hesitate to pronounce the most vigorous of the whole, and which contain a spirited exposition and application of the cxth Psalm.

He begins with remarking, that in many of the prophecies of Christ there is a type, which in some degree shares and obscures the beauty of the great personage prefigured. But here there is no shadow; his beauty is unclouded. He then cites the references to this prophecy in the New Testament. Our Lord himself, St. Peter, St. Paul, all quote and refer to it. 43-45. Acts i. 34. 1 Cor. xv.25.

(Matt. xxii.

Heb. i. 13;

x. 12.) David then was led by the spirit of prophecy to foretel the exaltation of Messiah, the government with which he should be invested, and the conquests he should obtain. And here, 1. He declares the Father's address to him and decree concerning him. Ver. 1. "The Lord said unto my Lord"-one divine person addressing another.-The Father welcomes his well-beloved Son after his resurrection, to a seat at his own right hand; and determines that all opposition shall die before Him. Such is the general purport of the everlasting covenant. Infer hence the original dignity and proper Godhead of Christ. He is David's Lord: the root as well as the offspring of David. Others by the same appellation have given him the same honour. Thomas, Stephen, St. Paul. (John xx. 28. Acts vii. 55, 59. 1 Cor. ii. 8. Rom. ix. 5.) Let us see that we call and acknowledge him with our hearts to be Lord. He is our Lord by creation, but has bound us to himself as our Lord, by a still stronger tie, in having 66 redeemed us to God by his own blood." Mr. Robinson very affectionately and powerfully enforces and opens this claim,

The prediction also represents him in a state of exaltation and glory. The Father calls him to a participation of his throne, and places him in the seat of highest honour. "Sit thou at my right hand." This is in his office of Mediator. He has submitted: he has earned his crown: in human nature he is now called to wear it.

The marvellous consideration here suggested is, that the man Christ Jesus should be Jehovah's "fellow" or compeer, and receive the homage of heaven. (Ephes. i. 21. Philip. ii. 10, 11.) Draw from this doctrine hope and joy; a pledge of our acceptance, security, final admission into heaven; our intercessor, advocate, representative, is at God's right hand. "Thither the forerunner hath for us entered." But especially view him as a king upon his throne: "the government upon his shoulder," " all things under his feet," for the good of his people. Yet this mediatorial kingdom is limited in duration it shall end, when its ends have been accomplished: which is not yet. At present there is conflict. But the time cometh when the decree which is gone forth shall be fulfilled, "I will make thy foes thy

6

footstool." Look to this and be strong. Believers, your enemies are his, and his victory shall soon be yours.

King David addresses himself to Messiah, as if he were present, and stood before him arrayed in his glory. The change of speaker is abrupt, but perspicuousand sublime. "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies." We have here, 1." A prophesy :" the rod is the word of his grace: the gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation. No other word, no other system produces an efficacy like this. It is to be sent forth "out of Zion." It has gone forth thence, in the hands of the apostles: it was glorified on the day of Pentecost and afterwards it shall receive a commission to go forth again. 2. A prayer. "Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies." No true servant can be unconcerned about the honour of his master. We should pray thus for ourselves and for all others around us, and throughout the world: that as all human hearts are by nature hostile to Christ, so they may be subdued by him. Establish

66

thy dominion in these rebellious hearts, and

CC

bring every thought to the obedience of thyself: assert thy own authority, maintain thy cause; turn the councils of persecutors and unbelievers to their own confusion. Thus minutely does he unfold and enforce the prophetic word, after his favourite method of continual application; concluding his second essay with an address to different characters.

What a source of instruction and encouragement is here!

1. His followers are armed by it against complaining under sufferings. They, like their Lord, must drink of the brook by the way.

2. The contrite and penitent are warned to lay aside their fears. Fury is not in Him: he bids them take hold of his strength, that they may make peace with him. As is his majesty, so is his

mercy.

3. Sinners are warned to dread the day of his wrath, and deprecate their deserved punishment. What means your contempt of this exalted personage? Is He to be trifled with? O think what refuge can hide you from his notice, or secure you from the storins of his indignation! Kiss the Son lest he be angry!"

66