In ſome of the pſalms David deſcribeth himſelf, as one hated and perfecuted without a cauſe; as one accuſed of crimes which he never committed, and ſuffering for ſins, the very thoughts of which he abhorred; and one whoſe life was enbittered by afflictions, and his ſoul overwhelmed with ſorrows; yet, withal, as one whom no troubles could induce to renounce his truſt and confidence in the promiſes of God concerning him. In pſalms of this ſort, he repeateth his reſolutions of adhering to the divine law, and complaineth of the implacable malice, and unrelenting fury, of his enemies. In them alſo, contrary to all appearances, he predicteth their deſtruction, with his own final exaltation. But it hath been already obſerved, that the ancient patriarchs, prophets, prieſts, and kings, were typical characters, in their ſeveral offices, and in the more remarkable paſſages of their lives, their extraordinary depreſſions and miraculous exaltations, foreſhewing him who was to ariſe, as the Head of the holy family, the great Prophet, the true Prieſt, the everlaſting King. And it is remarkable, that in the pſalms referred to, the diction is now and then exaggerated, as it were on purpoſe to intimate, that they are to have their full accompliſhment in the hiſtory of the true David; his ſorrows and ſufferings; his reſignation under them all; his obedience to the will of his father; the temper and behaviour of his
