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From Eternity Past
out of his chamber, and rejoicing “as a strong man to run a race.” There
were bold summits of the hills reaching toward the sky. And beyond
was God. The light of day, gilding forest and mountain, meadow and
stream, carried the mind up to behold the Author of every good and
perfect gift. Daily revelations of the character of his Creator filled
the young poet’s heart with adoration and rejoicing. The faculties
of David’s mind and heart were developing and coming into a more
intimate communion with God. His mind was constantly penetrating
into new depths for fresh themes to inspire his song and to wake the
music of his harp. The rich melody of his voice poured out upon the
air as if responsive to the angels’ songs in heaven.
Who can measure the results of those years of toil and wandering
among the lonely hills? The psalms of Israel’s sweet singer were in
all coming ages to kindle love and faith in the hearts of God’s people,
bringing them nearer to the loving heart of Him in whom all His
creatures live.
David was preparing to take a high position with the noblest of the
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earth. Clearer conceptions of God opened before his soul. Obscure
themes were illuminated, difficulties made plain, perplexities harmo-
nized. Each ray of new light called forth sweeter anthems of devotion
to the glory of God and the Redeemer. As he beheld the love of God
in the providences of his life, his heart throbbed with more fervent
adoration and gratitude. His voice rang out in richer melody, his harp
was swept with more exultant joy. And the shepherd boy proceeded
from strength to strength, from knowledge to knowledge, for the Spirit
of the Lord was upon him.
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