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Trace this in the life of David.

I. IT BEGINS EARLY.

II. IS CONDUCTED THROUGH VARIOUS AGENCIES.

1. Prosperity is one of them. Darwin says in one of his books, speaking of change of instinct in the lower creation, that when bees were carried to Barbadoes and the Western Islands, they ceased to lay up honey after the first year. They found the weather so fine, and the material for honey so plentiful, that they ate up their store, and neglected to provide for the future any longer. Their character degenerated under the influence of their prosperity. Too often it is so among men; and the greater their prosperity, the greater is their deterioration of character. It is said of one of the popes that when he was a poor priest he was regarded as a good man; when promoted to be a cardinal he doubted of his salvation; and when he was raised to the papal chair he despaired of it. Now, that ought not to be the result' of prosperity. But it too often is so.

2. Adversity is another. Adversity, says one, is of use to kill those sinners which the summer of prosperity is apt to produce and nourish. I have seen a Christian man accumulate money, and in the process of accumulation begin to love it; and I have observed the wisdom and fatherly kindness of God, in making all his investments profitless, and scattering his little board to the winds like dust, and in the end drawing out his soul in deeper love and desire for the true riches. Affliction is beneficial in perfecting patience, fortitude, and acquiescence in the Divine will. No other form of discipline can so promote growth.

III. IS OFTEN VERY MYSTERIOUS. See this in history of Joseph. And observation and experience teach the same.

IV. IS PERPETUAL. And —

V. IS REGULATED BY INFINITE WISDOM AND LOVE.

(William Walters.)

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KJV: O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

WEB: God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.