The Christian's Duty and Dependence
Thomas Gordon. Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of your righteousness, even of your only. I. HIS PURPOSE OF HOLY WALKING, OF GOING FORWARD, and persevering in the way of his duty. 1. A serious and deliberate choice of the ways of God. 2. A constant jealousy over his heart. 3. "I will go," though a cloud should hang over my head the whole way. 4. "I will go," let the duties I am called to perform be ever so arduous, or the difficulties ever so discouraging that lie in my way; I must look for them from without and from within, that will put all my resolution to the trial. 5. "I will go," if I should go singly and alone. There is no co-partnership here; every man must trade upon his own bottom. 6. "I will go," therefore, directed in every step by the infallible standard — "The scriptures of the inspiration of God." 7. "I will go" — I will go instantly, without admit-ring one excuse, were it but for a moment, for postponing my present purpose to a "more convenient season." 8. "I will go" — endeavouring to make daily progress. "Counting not myself to have attained," etc. II. His GROUND AND DEPENDENCE. 1. Almighty strength was the psalmist's sole reliance; and it must be mine, or in vain are all my best efforts. Amidst all my attainments, no less than all my weaknesses, and all my fears, I will eye a superior power. In the one ease, I will review and acknowledge the Divine bounty with the warmest sentiments of gratitude and dependence; in the other, I will pour forth my plaint, and offer my humble but fervent suit, expecting no relief nor aid from any other quarter. 2. I will make mention of Thy righteousness, as including in it the holiness and purity of Thy nature, It is the invariable measure of Thy moral administration; it is the centre of union, and gives, as it were, stability to all Thy other perfections. (Thomas Gordon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. WEB: I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.