. ' ' ' » V • I ■ ■ ' . , •"»■■* . t ■ /' '4 ! . t Section ^,v i \ tL. ^ No \\.Z. Il THE PREACHER'S COMMEINtTARY ON THE BOOK OF PSALMS. THE J/ l^rcacljcr's (ir0ni|lctc pMiletical COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT (ay AiV ORIGINAL FLAN), I SKitl} Critical anti (!Hxplanatori3 |iotr;5, Intitccs, &c. &c* BY VAKIOUS AUTHORS. LONDON: EICHAED D. DICKINSON, FAEEINGDON STEEET. 1879. HOMILETIC COMMENTARY ON THE BOOK OF PSALMS. VOL. 11. ON PSALMS LXXXYIIL— CIX. By WILLIAM JONES; ON PSALMS ex.— CXX. By J. W. BURN ; ON PSALMS OXXL— CXXX. By GEORGE BARLOW ; ON PSALMS CXXXL— CL By WILLIAM JONES. LONDON: EICHAED D. DICKINSON, PARKINGDON STREET. 1879. BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO. EDINBURGH AND LONDON "'^'vtf . , INDEX OF SUBJECTS. PAGE Absolute, the, 208 the incomprehensibleness of God is generally acknowledged, . . 20S men have universally striven to solve the mystery, 209 the Bible gives us a revelation of all that may be known of God in a manner suited to our faculties and saving to our soul, .... 209 Acceptable prayer, attributes and ad- vantages of, . . . . . 434 Advent, the features and effects of the King's, 90 the features of His advent — awful majesty, widest conspicuousness, perfect righteousness, . . .90 the effects of His advent, . . .90 it should occasion joy to all ; it does occasion destruction to His foes, confusion to idolaters, and gladness to His people, . . . .91 Adversity and God's salvation, man's, . 289 man's adversity is often extreme in its intensity, duration, and danger, 289 God's salvation is the remedy for man's adversity, .... 2S9 Man's adversity should lead him to ciy for God's salvation, . . . 290 This remedy should be sought for holy ends, ..... 290 Affliction, ...... 297 The characteristics and consolations of, . . ... . . .297 The remedy for and the results of, . 29S Affliction and its remedy, . . . 26S God's children are afflicted, . . 268 Affliction should drive us to God for help, 268 God undertakes to apply the remedy for affliction, ..... 268 Affliction : its comforts, duties, and dangers, . . . . . -277 God's servants are permitted to suffer affliction, .... 277 God has special comforts for His afflicted servants, .... 277 Affliction should lead us to call upon God to fulfil His promises, . . 277 Affliction should not lead us to de- cline from God's law, . . . 278 Afflictions of life, the, and the resource of the godly, no VOL. IL Human life is characterised by great afflictions, . . . . . Great afflictions are characterised by great needs, In great afflictions the godly man has a great resource, Afflictions of man, the mercy of God in the, Afflictions of the good, the, . The good in all ages have been greatly afflicted, .... The good have always survived the cruelty of their tormentors, . The afflictions of the good are Divinely limited, .... Affliction, the purpose and benefit of, . Age of piety, the old, .... is the old age of a life of faith and communion with God, . is characterised by hope, . . . is one of cheerfulness, . . . is characterised by atfectiou, and to the last by usefulness, . All-important enumeration, an (See Numeration), .... Analogies, grass and its moral (See GllASS), Answer, an earnest prayer and an im- mediate (See Prayer), . Apostate contrasted, the obedient and the, ...... Argument with God, .... the fact ; the argumentative value of the fact, and the prayer founded on the argument and fact. Army, the royal, Church weapons and character, spirit, opportunity, and influence, . Aspects and expressions of humility (See Humility), .... Aspects of the Divine Being, inspiring (See Divine), .... Aspirations, lofty, .... Atheism, the folly of practical, . in supposing that (iod does not ob- serve human conduct, and will not recompense it, ... . Attitude of the righteous towards the ungodly, the proper, the ungodly are the subjects of the tenderest compassion and the bitterest grief, .... b AGE no no no 125 340 340 341 341 283 70 70 70 70 71 71 46 445 376 334 25S 25S 177 17S 344 412 304 75 75 306 307 VI INDEX PAGE the subjects of zealous evangelisa- tion 307 are pitied ami evangel i>;ed not for sen- tinieiit;il ])ut for practical reasons, 307 Attitude of the -wicked towards tlie righteous, the, and the condition of the righteous under oppression, 292 the -wickeil described, . . . 292 tlie righteous counselled, . . . 293 Attitude towards the righteous and the wicked. God's, .... 3<^3 Attributes and advantages of accept- able praver, 434 Attributes of the upright (See IJP- EIGIIT), 198 Battle, the dav of, and the protection of God, . ■' 394 the period spoken of, ... 394 the protection acknowledged, . . 394 the encouragement to be deduced, . 395 Beauties of lioliness, the, . . . 458 salvation promotes physical beauty, 458 salvation is spiritual beauty, . . 459 this beauty resembles the beauty of God Himself, is varied, immortal, and ever-increasing, . . . 459 Benedictions, 252 the blessing' supplicated, . . . 252 the conditions of blessing fulfilled, . 252 the blessing vouchsafed, . . .252 the place of blessing, . . . 252 Benedictions, Divine, .... 224 the subjects of the blessing, . . 224 the characteristics of the blessing, . 224 the conditions of the blessing, . . 225 Benefit and obligation of the Word of God, tiie, . . . . .291 Benefits, man's remembrance of the Lord's, . . . . . .122 the benehts of God, . . . .122 may be forgotten, . . . .122 should not l)e forgotten, . . .122 Bible better than riches, the, . . 284 what wealth can do the Bible can do better, 284 what wealth cannot do the Bible can, 2S5 what wealth will do the Bible Avon't, 285 Bible duties, 276 to meditate upon it, . . . . 276 to love it, 276 to delight in it, 276 not to be a>eiiig, inspiring aspects of the the Author of human skill, the Protector of human life, the Source of human authority, the Ohject of human trust, the Supreme Good of human life, the Recijiient of human praise. Divine benedictions (See Benedic TIONS), Divine dwelling-place, the (See Dwell INGS Divine education. Divine guidance (See GUIDANCE), Diniiic mercy, the (See Mercy), Divine protection (See Protection), Divine protection, the (See Protec TION), Divine provisions 'See Provisions). Divine relationships (See Relation ships), Doxology, God is blessed in Himself, God is blessed by His creatures, God is blessed for ever, Doxology, ..... Doxology, the, .... the sphere of the Divine praise, the reason of the Divine praise, the measure of the Divine praise, the manner of the Divine praise, the oilcrers of the Divine praise, Duties, Bible (See Bible), . Duty, law, ]»rayer. Dwelling-place, the Divine, is exalted, ..... is holy, ..... is to be the dwelling-place of man Earth, God's praise on the (See Praise), .... Earth, the, God's gift and num's in heritance, .... the earth is God's gift to man, . it is aji equitable, a magnificent, a prepared, and, an universal gift, .... it is God's gift to man for definite uses for religious ends, ... for the education of man's mind, for man's use and enjoyment, . to be evangelised for Christ, Education, Divine, RAGE • 123 123 399 320 163 404 408 159 428 412 412 413 413 413 413 413 224 226 268 411 243 323 302 21S 241 30 30 30 31 158 461 461 462 462 462 462 276 254 226 226 226 226 453 226 226 226 226 227 227 227 227 227 227 268 PAGE Effectual, fervent, and believing prayer (See Prayer), .... 309 Emancipation, a glorious, a cruel per- secution and (See Persecution), 145 Emancipation, Divine, human impris- onment and (See Imprisonment), 403 Emancipator, the afflicted captives and their glorious (See Captives), . 161 Enclosure, the sacred, .... 249 the enclosure, its gates and keys, . 249 its privileges and duties, . . . 250 Encouragement to His people to trust in Him, the strength of God an (See Strength), . . . .11 Encouragements for church-builders (See Church), .... 350 Encouragements for prayer (Sec Prayer), 231 Encouragements to holy song (See Song), 64 Enemies, the lamentable fate of the Church's (See Fate), . . .341 Enjoyment, the saint's, of the law of God, 294 the law of God is lovable, . . 294 God's saints possess a spiritual taste which enables them to appreciate His law, ..... 294 they exercise that taste continually, 295 Errors respecting the Divine Being, . 428 Escape from danger, the soul's, . .331 the soul is surrounded by dangers, . ^^i these dangers are not invincible, a way is divinel}'- provided for the escape of the soul from all danger, 332 Estimate of death, God's, . . . 240 a high, unusual, unexpected, and specific estimate, .... 240 Estimated by the light of heaven, sin, 40 Eternal praise, . . . . -193 the object and subjects of praise are eternal, ...... 193 the worshippers have "life eternal," 194 Exaltation, human, . . . .211 in the spheres of daily life, . .211 in God's method of redemption, . 212 in the history of the Christian Church, . . , . . .212 in the resurrection of the body, . 212 Exalted, God's Word, .... 376 Examples of the holy sovereignty of God and the becoming worship of His people, ..... loi examples of the becoming worship of man, ...... loi in earnest prayer, in holy lives, . loi examples of the sovereignty of God in His answers to JBis servants' prayers, loi Excellence and beauty of fraternal unity (See Unity), . . . 354 Excellence of praise t© God, the (See i'RAisE), 439 Exclamation, life an (See Life), . 42 Exemplary humility (See Humility), 345 Expostulation from the depth of misery (See Misery), . . . .4 INDEX. XI PAGE Expostulation, lamentation and, by reason of the apparent failure of the covenant of God (See Cove- nant), 24 Extremity, man's, God's opportunity, 245 man in distress, . . . . 245 man's duty in distress, . . 245 man's consolations in distresss, . . 245 man's deliverance in distress, . . 245 Exultant hymn, an (See Hymn), . 97 Failure of the covenant of God, la- mentation and expostulation by reason of the apparent (See COVE- ^ NANT), 24 Faith, fearlessness, fixedness, and (See Fearlessness), .... 200 Faith, the luiture and po"\ver of, . . 237 the nature of faith, .... 237 the poAver of faith is to find expres- sion for itself, .... 237 constrains those who believe to confess their belief, ..... 237 inspire loyalty to the truth Ave believe, 237 impress us with the necessity of its declaration, ..... 237 is the power of loyalty to the Lord of faith, ...... 237 and the power of successful enter- prise, ...... 237 Faithful Promiser, the (See Promiser), 141 Faithfulness and mercy of the Lord, a noble celebration of the (See Cele- bration), 6 Fate of the Church's enemies, the la- mentable, . . . . .341 they are signally defeated, . .341 their life-purpose is abortive, . .341 they remain unblessed, . . .341 Favour of God desired, the, . .149 Fear and its remedy, .... 273 the CJiristian has nothing to fear but sin, . , . . . .273 the only safety from sin and its re- proach is the life of righteousness, 274 the danger and the safety are revealed bj'- the Word of God, . . . 274 the danger is to be deprecated, and the safety sought by prayer, . . 274 Fearlessness, fixedness, and faith, . 200 Fearlessness, what it consists in, . 200 is impossible without fixedness, . 200 no fixedness without faith, . . 200 Features ^nd eflects of the King's ad- vent, the (See Advent), . . 90 Fellowship, religious, .... 286 is possible only to religious persons, 286 is to be desired by religious persons, 286 is profitable to religious persons, . 287 Ferocity of the wicked, the, a source of distress to the good, . . . 320 the good are brought into unavoid- able contact with the wicked, . 320 the attitude of the wicked is one of fierce antagonism to the good, . 321 the ferocity of the wicked is a source of distress to the good, . . .321 Finite, the, and the infinite, with regard to earthly life, earthly greatness and grandeur, the development of hunuiu (character, the acquisition of human know- '<^''1^"^% human pleasures and satisfactions, . human institutions, . . . . Fixedness and faith, fearlessness (See Fearlessness), . . . . Foes, the, and victory of the good, the foes of the good, .... are numerous, various, terrible, the victory of the good, is complete and certain, . Folly, the, of practical atheism (See Atheism) Forgetfulness of the Divine works, the works of God are worthy of an attentive review and thankful re- membrance, . . . . . there is in human nature a tendency to forget the works of God, . the sinfulness and danger of forget- ting them, the best means of remembering them. Frailty, human, and Divine greatness, the greatness of God, He existed before the world, He created the world. He is eternal, . . . . . the frailty of man, .... the brevity of his life upon earth, the mournful end of liis life upon earth, . . . . .. . the great Sovereign of his life upon earth, ...... the relation between the great God and frail man, .... we are weak, and rest in His omni- potence, . . . . . we are short-lived, and rest in His eternity, . • . . . Frailty, human, an incentive to seek tlie Divine blessing, the Psalmist seeks for help in form- ing a correct estimate of life, the mercy of God in life, . the manifestation of God's power and grace in life, ..... the establishment of human work in life, Frailty, human, the result of human sin, ...... death is associated with physical sufferings, and these are a result of sin, with mental suflerings, and these are a result of sin, .... Frailty, man's, God's mercy and (See Contrast), Freedom, ...... man's natural condition is one of bondage, ..... man walks at liberty when he seeks and finds God's precepts, man walks permanently and securely PAGE • 293 • 293 293 293 293 294 294 200 57 57 57 57 57 75 152 152 153 153 153 32 32 jj 33 34 34 34 35 35 44 44 44 45 46 37 3S 39 126 276 276 276 Xll INDEX. PAGE at liberty only as long as he seeks and finds God's preceijts, . . 276 Gift of God, children the (See Chil- DKEN), 338 Gladness, religions, . . . -65 gladness as the gift of God, . . 65 arising from the contemplation of God's works, . . . '65 finding expression in devont song, . 66 Glance, the heavenAvard, . . . 328 is directed to One who is enthroned in nnijesty, ..... 328 ■Nvho has sn])reme government, . .328 who is rich in mercy, . . . 329 this glance is persevering and tri- ximjdiant, ..... 329 Glory of Christ's kingdom, . . . 430 is manifested in its origin, . . 430 in the manner and spirit of its ad- ministration, ..... 430 in the character of His subjects, . 430 in the privileges attached to it, . 43 1 Glory of God, the sole, and the abne- gation of man, . . . .219 God's glory consists in His supreme perfection, 219 is expressed in the mercy and truth- fnlness of His works and ways, . 219 should be apprehended and acknow- ledged by man, .... 219 is not the object of God's solicitude, but man's, 219 removes all ground of boasting on the part of man, .... 220 God, argument with (See ARGUMENT), 258 God blessing man and man blessing God (See Blessing), . . .120 God desired, the favour of, . . .149 God incomparable, . . . .10 God in creation, the majesty of (See Majesty), 128 God in nature, 118 four asi)ects of the Divine Being — as intimately acquainted with all por- tions of tlie universe, . . .119 the Sovereign l^roprietor of the uni- verse, . . . . , .119 the all-transforming Spirit of the universe, 119 the all-surveying Spirit of the uni- verse, . . . . . .119 God, mercy in, and in creation (See Mercy), 363 God mindful of man (See MiNDFUL), 223 God, the bounty and faithfulness of (See Bounty), .... 189 God, the eternal truth of (See Truth), 106 God, the goodness of nature's, the pur- pose of nature and (See NATURE), 188 God, the greatness and gentleness of, . 442 the text reveals the constructive side of the Divine government, as seen in the building of the Church, . 442 the gentle care of human hearts, . 442 the order, regularity, and stability of creation, 442 PAGE God, the incomparableness of (See In- COMPARABLENESS), ... 8 God, the, in whom man is blessed, . 421 all peoples have a God, . . .421 man must trust, love, and worship, . 421 that people only is blessed whose God is Jehovah, .... 421 He is the only worthy object of man's trust, 421 supreme love and worship, . .421 God, the liWng and true, idols and (See Idols), 221 God, the majesty and condescension of, 210 . 210 the majesty of God, He is throned above the realm of space, 210 above all duration, . . . .211 the condescension of God, . . .211 He looks on physical laws, and em- j)loys them, 211 upon man, and visits him, . .211 upon human governments, and em- ploys them, 211 God, the mercy of, solicited, . . 47 God, the omnipresence of, and its im- pressions upon man (See Omni- presence, 383 God, the reign of (See Reign), . .91 God, the rejoicing of the good man in the government of (See Govern- ment), 66 God, the righteousness of nature's, nature's beauty and (See Nature), 187 God, the servant oi (See Servant), . 272 God, the sole glory of, and the abnega- tion of man (See Glory), . . 219 God, the Word of, its sphere and its service (See Word), . . . 259 God, the works of, the subject of soul- satisfying search (See Works), . 185 God, trust in (See Trust), . . . 222 God, walking before (See Walking), . 235 God's absolute control over man's life (See Control), . . . .36 God's attitude towards the righteous and the wicked, .... 303 God's estimate of death (See Estimate), 240 God's gift and man's inheritance, the earth (See Earth), . . . 226 God's goodness, its nature, and its re- lation to prayer and life (See Good- ness), 282 God's mercy, the greatness of (See Mercy), 168 God's omnipresence (See OMNIPRE- SENCE), 381 God's people, the character and portion of), 95 God's perfect knowledge of man (See Knowledge), .... 379 God's salvation (See SALVATION), . 314 God's testimonies a ground of joy (See Testimonies), .... 261 God's treatment of different classes of character (See Treatment), . 377 God's ways, though often inscrutable, are righteous and just, . . .92 INDEX. Xlll PAGE God's Word a tried ^vord and a loved Avord, 308 God's Word desired, .... 305 instructive, "wonderful, kept, . . 306 God's works and God's words (See Works), 290 Godly, the angelic ministers of the (See INIlNISTERS), 54 Godly, the glorious privileges of the (See Privileges), . . .57 Godly, the inviolable security of the (See Security), . . . .51 Godly, the safe hiding-place of the (See Hiding-place), . . . .49 Godly, the trials of the (See Trials), . 318 Godly under misrepresentation, the (See Misrepresentation), . . 317 Golden mean, the (See Mean), . .198 Good resolutions (See Resolutions), . 255 Good, the alllictionsof the (See Afflic- tions), 340 Good, the blessedness of the (See Bless- edness), . . . . .339 Good, the foes and victory of the (See Foes), . . - . . .57 Goodness, God's, ics nature and its re- lation to prayer and life, . . 282 its nature, it is Divine, and opera- tive, ...... 282 it is an encouragement to prayer, . 282 our prayer having such encourage- ment should be of the largest kind and for the best things, . . 282 Goodness in nature, providence, and grace, the Divine, . . . 450 Goodness, man's recognition of God's . (See Recognition), . . . 242 Goodness, the Lord's, and man's sin, 149 man's sin notwithstanding the Lords goodness, 149 the Lord's goodness notwithstanding man's sin, . . . . .150 Goodness, the praise of the Divine, . 425 the manifestations of God's goodness, 425 the universality of God's goodness, . 426 the praise of God's goodness, . . 427 Government of God, the rejoicing of the good man in the, . . . .66 God is the Supreme Ruler, . . 66 His rule is unchangeably righteous, . 66 this is manifest in the destruction of the "wicked, . . . . .66 the salvation of the righteous, . . 6^ Government>of heaven, the Divine, . 207 is acknowledged and obeyed univer- sally, reverentially, swiftly, , . 20S comprehensively, continually, . . 208 willingly, perfectly, .... 208 Government of nations, the Divine, . 207 is personal, exalted, benevolent, . 207 suitable to the circumstances of all nations, ..... 207 administered by Christ, . . . 207 Grace and guidance, a good man's prayer for (See Prayer), . . 410 Granting, the, of selfish desires an in- jury to the soul, . . . • 153 p; Grass and its moral analogies, in grass Ave have an illustration of Christian humility and cheerful- ness, ...... Gratitude, ...... there are grounds for, these grounds are often ignored, these grounds should be acknow- ledged by ])resent thankfulness, . and by perpetual thankfulness, Great, the suj)renie]y, . . . . God is great in His essence, in His power, ..... in His knowledge, .... Greatness and gentleness of God, the (See God), Greatness, human frailty and Divine (See Frailty), .... Greatness of God's mercy, the (See INIercy), Greatness of God, the, an incentive to praise Him, the poet illustrates God's greatness by His j udgments upon the heathen. His regard for His people. His eternity and unchangeableness, . Greatness, the praise of the Divine (See Praise), .... Greatness, true, ..... may be consistent with external humiliation, . . . , . external humiliation should not be- little a man, ..... GroAvth, the cedar an analogue of soul (See Cedar), . . . . . Guidance, Divine, .... the prayer of one who felt his need of Divine guidance, believed that God had a way marked out for him, believed tliat God could reveal His way to Him, ..... had placed himself in the right atti- tude to receive Divine guidance, . Happiness of society, the, dependent on the Divine blessing, . family greatness should be founded on the Divine blessing, . the safety of civil society is secured by the Divine blessing, . the prosperity of society is dependent on the Divine blessing, . Happy people, a picture of a (See Pic- ture) Ha])j)y people, the .... Harmony of creation restored, the, the glory of the Lord in His works, . the joy of tlie righteous in the Lord, the desire of the righteous concern- ing the wicked, .... Harps on the willows, .... every man has a haiT), sometimes the harp has to be hung on the willows, .... yet it needs not to be cast away, Hate, love and, age 445 446 205 205 205 205 206 443 443 443 444 442 32 168 359 359 359 360 423 309 309 309 69 411 411 411 411 412 337 -1 '•>7 337 337 418 422 138 138 138 138 369 370 371 ^00 XIV INDEX. PAGE Hatred, holy, . . . . . 301 in its nature, causes, and specific objects, 301 Healed, spiritual diseases (See Dis- eases), 122 Healing, human sickness and Divine (See Sickness), . . . .162 Hear God's voice, sinners entreated to, 86 Heaven, the Divine government of (See Government), . . .207 Heavens, God's jiraise in the (See I'KAISE), 452 HeavcuAvard glance, the (See Glance), 328 Help of helplessness, the timely, . . 232 Avho are the helpless ? . . . 232 Avhon are they helped? . . . 232 ho^v are they helped ? . . . 233 Helper of man, the nii.L;lity, . . .20 man's great need as a sinner, . . 20 Christ's great power as a Saviour, . 21 Helplessness, the timel}^ help of (See Help), Heritage of His peo]de, God's Word the, a heritage valuable and responsible, . Hiding-place of tlje godly, the safe, an implication of danger, . an assurance of safety, an expression of confidence, Historical surprises (See Surprises), . History of a rebellious people, passages from the, ..... an incorrigibly rebellious people, a brave man acting as minister of justice in a critical time, a holy man sinning and suffering by reason of the sin of others, . the great God contending against human sin, Holiness, the beauties of (See Beauties), Holy hatred (See Hatred),. Home of the soul, the, .... the soul of m;m needs a home, . the soul of man may find a home in God, ...... Home, the picture of a pious, its worship, its head, ...... its servants, the head of a pious house will do his utmost to banish wickedness from the world, Hope of a distressed patriot, the,, tne object and ground of his hope, . the strength of his hope, . the results anticipated from its fulfil- ment, . ... Hope of redemption, the, is based on the revelation of the Divine Word, .... rouses the most passionate longings of the human soul, is encouraged by reflecting on the amplitude of the Divine mercy, is strengthened by the assurance of the completeness of redemptive blessings, ..... 343 299 299 49 49 49 50 143 155 155 155 155 156 458 301 35 35 36 107 107 108 loS 109 113 113 114 114 343 343 343 343 PAGE Human exaltation (See Exaltation), 211 Human frailty and Divine greatness (See Frailty), . . . .32 Human frailty an incentive to seek the Divine blessing (See Frailty), . 44 Human frailty the result of human sin (See Frailty), . . . .37 Humility, aspects and expressions of, . 344 humility in certain of its features, . 344 as connected with contentment and rest, 344 gi'OAving into hope, .... 345 Humility, exemplary, .... 345 the humility which the poet dis- played, . . . . . .345 the methods in wdiich the possession of this grace will be shown and attested, ...... 346 the means of producing it, . . 346 Hymn, an exultant, . . . .97 w^e have here exultation for the most excellent reasons, . . . .97 with the fullest expression, . . 98 in the widest extent, . . . .98 Idolatry, the moral consequences of, 222 the idolater becomes like his idols in mental incapacity, .... 222 in moral insensibility, . . . 222 in deep degradation, .... 222 in malign harmfulness, . . . 222 in spiritual death, .... 222 Idols and the living and true God, . 221 idols vary, God remains the same, . 221 idols are many and conflicting, God is one and in harmony with Himself, 221 idols are the work of men's hands, God is eternal and uncreated, . 221 idols can only occupy temples made with hands, God is in the heavens, 221 idols are senseless, God is keenly sen- sitive of theAvants of His creatures, 221 Idols, the vanity of, an incentive to praise the Lord God, . . . 360 the innate religiousness of human nature, 360 the sad perversion of the religious element in human nature, . . 360 the grand Object of worship for man, 361 the chief place of Avorship for man, . 361 Illustration of the reneAval of the soul, the rencAval of the face of the earth, an (See Renewal), . . 137 Immortality, the A^anity of man apart from his (See Vanity), . . .27 Imprisonment, human, and Divine emancipation, .... 403 man's imprisonment as a sinner, . 403 man's emancipation by the SaAdonr, . 404 man's praise to the Emancipator, . 404 Incentive to praise Him, the greatness of God, an (See Greatness), . 359 Incentive to praise the Lord God, the vanity of idols, an (See Idols), . 360 IncentiA^e to seek the Divine blessing, human frailty an (See Feailty), . 44 INDEX. XV PAGE 1 Incident of the journey, a coninioii, . 8i Incitements to praise the Lonl, . . 35S the persons to ^vhonl the exhortation is addressed, ..... 358 they hiiA'e access to and serve God, . 358 the reasons by wliich the exhortation is enforced, 358 because of the holiness of God, . . 358 the deHght which the exercise yiekls, 358 His special relation to Israel, . -35^ His sovereignty in nature, . . 358 Incomparable, God, . . . .10 Incomparableness of God, the, . . 8 heavenly beings are nughty, . . 8 heavenly beings are hoJy, . . 9 heavenly beings worship God, . . 9 Inequalities readjusted, providential, . 266 the problem stated, .... 266 the prosperity of the wicked, . . 266 the adversity of the righteous, . . 266 the problem solved, .... 266 the adversity of the wicked, . . 266 the prosperity of the righteous, . 266 Inliuite, the finite and the (See Finite), 293 Infinity, the, expressions and objects of the Divine mercy (See Mercy), . 123 Ingratitiide, . . . . . .171 Inquiry, a godless, and a godly response, 220 the question, ..... 220 why and by whom is it asked ? . . 220 an all-sufiicient answer, . . . 220 God exists ; He exists in the hea- vens, ...... 220 He does according to His pleasure, . 221 Insignificance, the, and greatness of man (See Man), 4.14 Invitation to worship, an (See WOE- SHIP>, 82 Jehovah the King (See King), . Jehovah the refuge of the distressed (See Refuge), Jerusalem a tj-pe of the Church, . because it is securely founded, . the place of general assembly, . the seat of universal government, Journey, a common incident of the, Joy of Divine worship, the, . is realised in anticipation, is enhanced when shared with others, is most fully realised in the sanctuary, is abiding, ...... Joys, spiritual, ..... it is God's ^dll that His people should be happy, ..... His i)eople have been for the most part a sad and sorrowing jieople, . how is this to be accounted for ? Jubilant people of God, the, . the reasons of their rejoicing, . the character of their rejoicing, . the expression of their rejoicing, Judgment, a cry for (See Cky), , Judgment deprecated, Divine, the truths imi:)lied, .... the petition offered, .... the reasons urged, .... 71 21 26 ':?26 26 26 81 325 325 325 325 326 140 140 140 141 456 456 457 457 73 407 407 407 407 PAGE King, Jehovah the, . . . .71 the majesty of the King, . . -71 the might of the King, . . .72 seen in the stai)ility of the world, . 72 in the subjugation of liis enemies, . 72 the eternity of the King and of His kingdom, ..... 72 the truth of His testimonies, . . 72 Kingtlom of Christ, the, . . -93 Kingdom, the glory of Christ's (See Gloky), 430 Kingdom, the temple and the, . '215 King's advent, the features and eflccts of the (See Advent), . . . 90 King's subjects, the character, privi- leges, and duty of the (See SUB- JECT.s), 94 Knowledge of God, the sorrows of the soul and the (See SORROWS), . . 401 Knowledge of man, God's perfect, . 379 God knows all men, .... ;79 God knows all men thoroughly, . 380 God knows all men constantly, . 380 the practical inlluence of this know- ledge on us anil on our life, . . 380 Lament of a distressed patriot, the, . in his distress was very great, . .111 absorbing, consuming, isolating, . in occasioned reproaches from his enemies, . . . . .112 was regarded as an expression of the Divine anger, . . . .112 was not hopeless, . . ..112 was patriotic, . . . ..112 Lamentation and expostulation by reason of the ap])arent failure of the covenant of God (See Cove- nant), 24 Law of God, the saint's enjoyment of the (See Enjoyment), . . . 204 Law, prayer, duty, .... 254 Lessons for church-builders (See Church), 347 Liberator, the Lord the, . . . 439 Liberality, . . . . _ . .201 true liberality must have righteous- ness for its basis, . . . .201 need for its object, .... 201 usefulness for its end, . . . 202 will have success and honour as its reward, 202 Life a shadow, human, . . . . 416 Life an exclamation, . . . '42 life has tlie brevity of a cry, . . 42 life is a cry full of meaning, . • • 43 Life as the sphere of Divine service (See Servick), . . . .227 Life, its sustenance and aim, . . 263 Life, long, 60 is desirable, ..... 60 is j)romoted by true religion, . . 60 is not to be estimated by the number of its months aiul years, . . 60 a godly man will be satislied with the length of his life as determined by God, 60 XVI INDEX PAGE Life of a godly man, the pitiable, the commendahle, and the rei)rehen- sible in the troubled, . . .170 the pitiable ; he complains of slander, niali«,'nity, and ingratitude, . .170 the commendable ; he committed his cause to the Lord in prayer, . .171 the reprehensible ; he manifests a revengeful spirit, . . . .171 Life, the atflictions of, and the resource of the godly (See Afflictions), . 1 10 Life, the blessed, 253 all men are not happy, . . .253 men can secure happiness only by a right state of the heart, . . 253 and maintain it only by a right state of the life .254 provision is made for man's happiness in the Word of God, . . .254 Life, the complete triumph of the Christian (See TRIUMPH), . . 167 Light, God's Word a lamp and a, . 295 the Word of God is a light, ^ . . 296 a clear, full, and perennial light, . 296 Light, to whom and when ? . . .197 to the upright, 197 who have their seasons of darkness, 197 in which light ariseth, . . .198 Long life (See Life), . . . .60 Lord and His universe, the, . .134 the Li)rd is the Creator of all things, 134 the Lord is the Proprietorof all things, 135 the Lord is the Sustainer of all things, 1 35 the Lord is the Sovereign of all things, 1 35 Lord, creation a revelation of the, . 130 displays His absolute power, . .130 displays His delight in beauty, . 131 displays His great law of service, . 132 displays His regard for all His crea- tures, 132 displays His supreme regard for man, 132 Lord in the Church and the state, the supremacy of the (See Supre- macy), 99 Lord, the glorious reign and praise of the (See llElGN), . . . .127 Lord, the liberator, the, , . . 439 Lord, the praise of the, . . . 130 Lord, the works and worship of the (See Works), . . . .139 Lord's day, the, 251 Lord's goodness and man's sin, the (See Goodness), . . . .149 Lord's time and ours, the (See Time), 304 Lord's triumph, the (See Triumph), . 248 Lost sheej), the (See Sheep), . '315 Love and bate, . ' . . . . 300 500 500 500 Love for God's Word, . what is it ? what degree of it should we have ? whv should we love it ? . how should we show our love to it ? 301 what results will follow our love of it? 301 Majesty and condescension of God, the (See God), .... 210 page Majesty and condescension of God, the, 379 Majesty of God in creation, the, . .128 the glorious vesture of the Lord, . 128 the splendid palace of the Lord, . 129 the sublime chariot of the Lord, . 129 the wonderful messengers of the Lord, 129 the firm footstool of the Lord, . .129 Man, 415 Man a wonderful creation of God, . 384 man is a creation of God, . . . 384 nuin is a wonderful creation of God, . 384 therefore, man should celebrate the praise of his Creator, . • . 386 Man blessing God, God blessing man, and (See Blessing), . . .120 Man, the blessedness of the Divinely- instructed (See Blessedness), , 76 Man, the insignificance and greatness of, 414 the insignificance of human life, . 414 human life is unsubstantial, . .414 human life is transitory, . . -415 the greatness of human life, . .415 revealed by the regard of God for man, . . . . . .415 Man, the mighty helper of (See Helper), 20 Man, the vanity of, apart from his im- mortality (See Vanity), . .27 INIan's remembrance of the Lord's bene- fits (See Benefits), . . . .122 Mean, the golden, . . . .198 such circumstances will arise as to need and justify favour and loans, . 198 that man is happy who is able wisely to afford those favours and loans, . 199 that man is happy who can do good and no evil by his favours and loans, ...... 199 Melchizedek, the order of, . . .179 Christ is a priest after, . . .179 that order was unique, righteous, . 179 peaceful, royal, sui)erior, . . .179 Christ's appointment to this priest- hood is Divine, .... 180 INIemory of the righteous, the stability and, 199 Men, a serious word for young (See Word), 256 Mercy and man's frailty, God's (See Contrast), 126 Mercy in God and in creation, . . 362 in the Divine being and character, . 362 in the Divine work in creation, . 362 Merely in human redemption and pro- vision, ...... 364 the mercy of God in redemption, . 364 the mercy of God in provision, . 365 Mercy in the revolutions of providence, 363 in the judgments upon Egypt, . 363 in the destruction of tyrannical kings, 363 in the history of Israel, . . . 364 Mercy of God in the afflictions of man, the, 125 Mercy of God solicited, the, . . 47 Mercy, the Divine, .... 243 the nature of, 244 INDEX. PAGE tlie objects and manifestation of, . 244 the recognition of, . . . . 244 Mercy, the greatness of God's, . . 16S this is seen in the blessings of daily life, ...... 169 in the grand end for which it is manifested, 169 in the means by Avhich it seeks to accomplish this end, . . .169 in the multitudes to whom it ex- tends, ...... 169 Mercy, the intinity, expressions, and objects of the Divine, . . .123 the infinity of the Divine mercy, . 123 the expressions of the Divine mercy, 123 in His vindication of the oppressed, . 123 in His general dealings with His people, 123 in the long delay of His anger, . 123 in the transient duration of His anger, 123 in the forgiveness of sins, . .124 in His fatherly compassion, . .124 in His fatherly consideration, . .124 in the revelation which He made to His people, 124 the objects of the Divine mercy, . 124 Militant people of God, the, . . 460 the true spirit of, ... . 460 the trusty weapon of, ... 460 the Divine warrant of, . . .461 the grand design of, . . . .461 Mindful of man, God, .... 223 why is God mindful of man ? . . 223 when and how is God mindful of man ? 224 for what purpose is God mindful of man? ...... 224 Mhiisters of the godly, the angelic, . 54 are commissioned by God, . . 55 exercise their ministry for the godly as individuals, . . . -55 only when the godly are in their true path, 55 always Avhen the godly are in their true path, 56 b}' means of the exercise of their ministry the godly are enabled to surmount all the hindrances and conquer all tlie foes that beset their way, . . ... 56 Misery, expostulation from the depth of, 4 the Psalmist's extreme distress, . 4 his misconception of God, ... 5 his nearnesif to death, ... 5 his belief that there are duties and privileges the discharge and enjoy- ment of which are limited to the present life, ..... 5 his faith in God, .... 5 Misery, prayer from the depth of, . i a great depth of affliction, . . i the Psalmist's troubles were spiritual, i his troubles were many, ... 2 were bringing him speedily to death, 2 isolated him from human society, . 2 were from the hand of God, . . 3 PAGE were an expression of the wrath of God, 3 a great urgency of prayer, . . 3 his prayer was directed to God, . 3 earnest and unceasing, ... 4 Misery to exultation, stages from (See Stages), 157 Misrepresentation, the godly under, . 317 the godly are not exempt from mis- representation, . . . -317 are distressed by misrepresentation, 317 should cry to God in misrepresenta- tion, . . . . . .317 God clears the godly from misrepre- sentation, . . . . .317 Morning prayer (See Prayer), . .310 Motherhood, its blessings and respon- sibilities, . . . . . .212 children are the subject of fond and prayerful desire, . . . .212 children are a mother's joy, . .213 children are a mother's care, . .213 children are Divine gifts, . . .213 Motive for persevering prayer, the, . 230 this motive reveals God's condescen- sion and anxiety to hear, . .230 the determination based upon this motive, 230 the Divine intention that is suggested by the ground of this motive and the warrant of this determination, 230 Nations, the Divine government of (See Government), . . . 207 Nature and advantages of true piety, the (See Piety), . . . .192 Nature and jjower of faith, the (See 1^'AITII), .237 Nature, God in (See God), . . .118 Nature, the purpose of, and the good- ness of nature's God, . . .188 the purpose of nature is to be remem- bered, 188 why ? That we may have perpetual evidence of the goodness of God, . 188 Nature's beauty and the righteousness of natures God, . . . .187 nature is beautiful, . . . .187 nature's God is righteous, . .187 nature is beautiful as the expression of the righteousness of God, . . 1S7 Near unto the Lord, a people, . .455 Nearness and man's, God's, . • 3'i Need, the, succour, and triumph of the soul (See SOUL^ . . . .201 Needful prayer, a (See Prayer), . 389 Nightly occupations of the godly, the (See Occupations), . . .279 Noble peojile and a noble service, a, . 204 the servants of God are a noble people, 204 they realise the noblest ideal of life, 204 have tlie noblest Master, . . . 204 yield to the noblest chiims, . . 204 have the noblest warrant for their ser- vice, 204 enjoy the noblest rewards, . . 204 XVlll INDEX. PAGE God's service is a noble service, . 204 in the diyuity of its sphere, . . 205 in the motive from Avhich it springs, 205 in the instruments by -which it is acco)uplishcd, .... 205 in the freedom of its consecration, . 205 in the uses Avhich it serves, . . 205 Numeration, an all-important, . . 46 the teacher, 46 the pupils, 47 the lesson, 47 the end, 47 Obedience, the blessings of (See Bless- ings), 279 Obedient and the apostate contrasted, the, . . . . . .334 the obedient are sustained by a con- sciousness of personal rectitude, . 334 enjoy the Divine aid and blessings, . 334 the apostates will be certainly pun- ished, ...... 334 Object, obligation, and expression of worship, the, . . . .89 Obstacles are removed, why ? . .217 because of the omnipotent presence of tlie Lord, 217 covenant presence of the Lord, . 217 merciful presence of the Lord, . .217 righteous presence of the Lord, . 217 Obstacles, the removal of, . . .216 antagonisms are quelled, . . .216 boundaries are removed, . . .216 difficulties are overcome, . . .217 Occupations of the godly, the nightly, 279 the duties of the night, . . .279 how they are to be performed, . . 279 why they are to be performed, . . 279 prepare us for the exercise of daily duties, 279 Omnipresence, God's, . . . .381 He is personally present everywhere, 381 influentially present everywhere, . 382 intelligently present everywhere, . 382 His presence is everywhere realised by the godly soul, .... 382 Omnipresence of God, the, and its im- pressions upon man, . . . 383 endeavour to realise God's omni- presence, ..... 383 trace the impressions which it ought to produce on us, . . . .384 Opportunity, man's extremity, God's, 245 Order of Melchizedek, the (See Mel- chizedek), 179 Orthodoxy, 288 what it implies, .... 288 what it consists in, . . . . 288 the result of, 289 Palm-tree an analogue of the right- eous, the, ..... 68 in its resolute upward growth, . 6":^ in its growth despite of hindrances, . 68 in its perennial verdure, . . .68 in its fruitfulness, . . . .69 Pardon with punishment, . . . 102 PAGE forgiveness is the undisturbed com- munication of the love of God to sinful man, ..... such pardon does necessarily sweep away the one true penalty of sin, . yet leaves many penalties unre- in oved, ...... pardoning love so modifies the punish- ment that it becomes an occasion for thankfulness, .... Passages from the history of a rebel- lious people (Sec History), . Pattern prayer, a (See Prayer), . Patriot, the hope of a distressed (See Hope), Patriot, the lament of a distressed (See Lament), Peace, . . a qualification, a process, ...... the result, ...... Peace and prosperity, .... should be subjects of earnest prayer, are correlative blessings, . are necessary for the cultivation of fraternal intercourse and afiection, should be sought for the sake of the Church of God, .... People and a noble service, a noble (See Noble), People and pleasure of the Lord, the, . People, a picture of a happy (See Pic- ture), People, characteristics of the blessed (See Characteristics), People near unto the Lord, a, Peoj)le of God, the blessedness of the (See Blessedness), People of God, the jubilant (See Jubi- lant), People of God, the militant (See Mili- tant), People, the character and portion of God's, People, the liappy^ .... Persecution and a glorious emancipa- tion, a cruel, ..... Israel persecuted in Egypt, the root and manner of the persecu- tion, ...... Israel emancij^ated from Egypt, by human instruments, by overcoming persistent resistance, in favourable circumstances, . Perseverance, ..... steady, rapid, shameless, Divinely assisted, . . Personal and family piety (See Piety), Personal religion (See Religion), Perversity, a sad picture of human, despising the choicest inheritance, . disbelieving the best authenticated word, . . . . . .154 murmuring against the Divine ar- rancrements 154 102 102 lO' 103 155 174 113 III 313 313 3^Z 314 327 327 327 327 32S 204 458 418 148 455 13 456 460 95 422 145 145 145 145 145 145 146 270 270 270 270 270 247 252 154 154 INDEX. XIX the commands of P tlic disobeying Lord, ..... receiving deserved iinnishment, entailing misery n])on tlieir posterity Petitions, the three, for visible resnlts from the work, for the stability of the work, for the snccession of the work,, riiilosoijliy of death, the (See DEATH) Picture of a hai>])y people, a . a noble otlspring, secular prosperity, settled jieace, .... flowing from the favour of God, Picture of a pious home, a (See Home), Picture of human perversity, a sad (Sec Perversity), Piety, personal and family, . piety is sadlj^ wanting, the want of piety is supplied, . piety must be personally appro priated, piety is approprr-ated to he diffused, piety alone will make home happy, a happy home is a miniature of and a nursery for heaven, Piety, the nature and advantages of true, .... Piety, the old age of (See Age), Pilgrimage and the heavenly songs the earthly, .... God's people are on a pilgrimage, delightful provisions are made for them on their pilgrimage. Pilgrimage, Divine blessings in human (See Blessings), . Pilgrims, strangers and (See Stran GERS), Pitiable, the commendable, and the re prehensible, the, in the troubled life of a godly man (See Life), Plea, an all-prevailing, the plea, ..... the prayer based upon this plea, the sources of the Psalmist's informa tion as to both jdea and prayer, Pleasure of the Lord, the people and. Portion, the soul's, what it is, how it is attained, on what grounds it is given, for M'hat purpose it is given, Power, the purpose of the revelation of God's (ISee PtEVELATION), Practice, preaching and (See PREACH ING), Praise, the true object of worship, the true character of worship, . the true spirit of worship. Praise, a psalm of universal, the reasons of praise to the Lord, the extent of praise to the Loid, the character of praise to the Lord, Praise, a summons to universal, . aspects of God's revelation of Himself ; VGE 154 47 47 48 48 437 418 41S 41S 419 419 107 154 247 247 247 247 24S 248 248 192 70 278 278 278 ■146 265 170 292 292 292 292 458 280 280 2S0 280 280 19P 275 183 183 184 184 104 104 105 105 455 PAGE adapted to persons of all ranks and of the most varied duties, adapted to i>ersons of all ages, . iitted to insi»ire the praises of persons of all ranks and ages. Praise, constant, ..... is due to CJocl for the constancy of His judgments, .... the bencli('ence of His judgments, . the clearness of His jmlgments, the help He vouchsatVs to keep His judgments, ..... the forgiveness He oilers where we have broken His judgments, . Praise, eternal (See Eternal), . Praise from excellent society and for excellent reasons, .... praise from excellent society, . • ... they have a clearer knowledge of God, 447 they liave a closer lelation to God, . 447 they have richer blessings from God, praise for excellent reasons, for the blessings of His providence, . for His agency in nature, . for the l)lessings of His revelation, . Praise in the heavens, God's, by heavenly beings, .... the praise which theyofTer to God is vohmtary, constant, and thorough, 452 455 455 455 313 313 313 313 313 193 447 447 447 447 447 448 448 452 452 by heavenly bodies, they are summoned to praise God be- cause they were created by Him, . they are sustained by Him, they are governed by Him, the interest of godjy men in God's praise in the heavens, . . . Praise of (;!od, the good man's celebra- tion of the, ..... the ground of this exercise, the manner of this exercise, the seasons of this exercise, the excellence of this exercise, . Praise of the Divine goodness, the (See Goodness), Praise of the Divine greatness, the, the reasons of the l)ivine praise, God is great in His deeds, God is great in His majesty, God is great in His goodness, . God is great in His righteousness, . the characteristics of the Divine praise, it is constant, per])ctual, . fervent and songful, . . . . Praise of the Divine reign, the (See Keign), Praise of the Divine relation to did'ercnt characters, the (See KelatioN), . Praise of the Lord, the, the Lord should be praised with the soul, ...... because of IHs attril)utes, . because of His Avork in creation, both for what He reveals and what He conceals of Himself, he is best qualified for this service " who.se God is the Lord," 452 452 452 452 453 61 61 ui 425 423 423 4-3 423 423 423 423 423 424 429 431 130 i^o i;.o 130 XX INDEX. PAGE Praise of the Lord, the glorious reign aud (See Reign), . Praise of time, the, as tlie decree of God, as expressing the resohition and work of Christ's Churcli, Praise on the earth, God's, . the variety of, . the Psabnist summons the inor ganic creation to praise Him, the Psalmist summons the vegetable creation to praise Him, . the Psalmist summons the animal creation to praise Him, . the Psalmist summons the rational creation to praise Him, . the universality" of, , universal praise is God's right, . the good man's desire, a fact which will be realised in the future, the rationality of, . it is manifestly and sublimely reason able, Praise the Lord, incitements to (See Incitements), Praise, the subjects and expressions of, Praise, the subjects and seasons of, the subjects of praise, the loving-kindness of God, the faithfulness of God, the seasons of praise, in the morning, .... in the evening, .... Praise to God, the excellence of, . it is excellent in itself, it is good, ..... pleasant and comely, it is excellent in its reasons, His relation to His Church, His relation to troubled souls, . His relation to heavenly hosts, . His retributive relation to men, Praise, trust and (See Teust), Praise, universal, .... the grand prerogative of God, . the precious privilege of man, . the fervent desire of the good, . Praising Him, the providence and pleasure of God a reason for (See Providence), .... Prayer, ....... the character of, ... the matter of, . the manner of, . the plea to be used in, the purpose w^iich should sustain. Prayer, a needful, the need for such a prayer as this, the manner in which such a prayer as this receives its answer, . . 390 Prayer, a pattern, . . . .174 true in its direction, . . . .174 personal in its aim, . . . .174 submissive in its spirit, . . • 174 powerful in its plea, . . . .174 127 424 424 424 453 453 453 453 453 454 454 454 454 454 454 454 358 463 64 64 64 65 65 65 65 439 439 439 440 440 440 440 440 441 435 464 464 465 465 444 306 306 306 306 306 306 389 389 172 376 376 376 377 PAGE Prayer and confidence, complaint (See Complaint), Prayer, an earnest, and an immediate answer, ..... the earnestness of his prayer, . the effectual relief he gained, . the force of his example upon other minds, ..... Prayer, attributes and advantages of acceptable, 434 some attributes of acceptable prayer, 434 sincerity, reverence, faith, . . 434 some advantages of acceptable prayer, 434 the realisation of God's presence, the fulfilment of their desires, . the attainment of His salvation. Prayer, creation a plea in (See Ceea tion), Prayer, duty, law, Prayer, effectual, fervent, and believ ing,. its object, ..... its reasons, .... its petitions, .... its characteristics, its warrants, .... its resolutions, .... its basis, Prayer, encouragements for pray because God is the Loi-d, . the Lord is our God, . The Lord is gracious, the Lord is righteous, our God is mei'ciful, . Prayer for grace and guidance, a good man's, ..... the Psalmist prays for God's dis tinguishing favour as a God of grace, ..... God's daily guidance as a God of Providence, .... the constant acceptance of his devo tions as a prayer-hearing God, Prayer from the depth of misery (See Misery), .... Prayer in trouble, and confidence in prayer, trouble in life (See Trouble), 392 Prayer, its object and its value, . . 229 characteristics of, . . . . 229 the object of, .... . 229 the value of, zzg Prayer, morning, . . . . .310 the Bible speaks much of, . .310 morning is the most favourable time for, 310 morning is the time God demands for, 311 morning is the most apx^ropriate time for, 311 Prayer of a distressed servant of God, the, 408 the blessings which are sought, . 408 the loving-kindness of God, . . 408 deliverance from distresses, . . 408 inward and spiritual blessings, . . 408 the grounds upon which they are sought, 409 434 434 434 285 254 309 309 309 310 310 310 310 310 231 231 231 231 232 2';2 410 410 410 411 INDEX. XXI PAGE • 409 • 409 the sore needs of the Psalmist, . his personal relations to God, . the urgency with ■which they are sought, ...... Prayer of the godly for deliverance from enemies, a (See Deliverance), . Prayer of tlie godly man from the depths of distress, a picture of deep distress, . the persecution of his enemies, . the failure of human help, the depression of his circumstances and condition, .... a prayer of strong confidence, . God's accessibleness to him, God's interest in him, God's knowledge of him, . God's protection of him, . fiom this basis of faith the prayer rises, Prayer of the iipright, a, . . . for Divine examination, . for entire freedom from evil, for Divine guidance in the way of righteousness, .... Prayer preferred, the wicked way with- in us, and the, .... Prayer, special, the time for, ..... the subjects of, the manner of, Prayer, the motive for persevering (See Motive), Preaching and practice, the Psalmist's prayer, the Psalmist's purpose, the Psalmist's consolation, Preciousness and number of God's thoughts, the (See THOUGHTS), . 386 Privilege and security of the good, the, 332 it is the privilege of the good to trust in the Lord, ..... it is the security of the good to be guarded by His presence, their security is perpetual, Privileges of the godly, the glorious, some features in the character of the godly, . . . love to God, .... knowledge of God, . l»rayer to God, .... some of the privileges of the godly deliverance from danger, . exaltatio^ and consequent safety, answers to prayer, the presence of God in trouble, . the conference of distinguished honours, .... satisfaction -with the duration of life, full salvation, . . • . Profession, religious, . should be of the most binding char acter, the result of serious thought, . made with a free but resolute will, faithfully and consistently kept, Profundis, de, . . . . VOL. n. 410 416 399 399 399 399 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 389 389 389 389 391 230 230 231 231 230 275 275 .275 275 332 332 333 57 57 57 58 58 58 58 58 58 59 59 59 59 296 296 297 297 297 342 page a consciousness of sin sinks the soul into depths of ])enitcntial sorrow, . 342 from the depths of i)Cuitontial sorrow the soul cries earnestlv for pardon, 342 the penitential soul seeks pardon in order to serve God acceptably, . 342 Progress, Christian, . . . .271 the way of, is Divinely revealed, . 271 is possible only under certain dclinite conditions, . . . . .271 is impossible without Divine assist- ance, 272 Proniiser, the faithful, . , . .141 the Lord's remembrance of His pro- mises, . . . . . .142 tlie perpetuity of His promises, . 142 the confirmation of His promises, . 142 the recipients of His promises, . . 142 the fulfilment of His promises, . .143 Proper attitude of the righteous to- wards the ungodly, the (See Atti- tude), . ^ 306 Prosperity and its qualifications, . .196 what is prosperity ? .... 196 what is calculated to produce it ? . 196 what objections can be urged against all this? 197 Prosperity of the wicked, the temporal, 66 Prosperity, peace and (See Peace), . 327 Protection, Divine, .... 323 is ample and etficient, . . . 323 shields from the most open assaults, 323 guards from the effects of secret treachery, 324 is a defence against every evil, . 324 is realised amid the active duties of life, 324 overshadows the rest of home, . . 324 is unremitting, ..... 324 Protection of God, the day of battle and the (See Battle), . . . 394 Protection, the Divine, . . . 302 where it is revealed, .... 302 the comfort this revelation brings, . 302 Providence and pleasure of God a reason for praising Him, the, . 444 the providence of God, . . . 444 presiding over the elements, . . 444 creating vegetation, .... 444 providing for His creatures, . . 444 the pleasure of God, .... 444 is not in those who trust in their own resources, ..... 444 is in those who trust in Ilin), . . 445 the praise of God, .... 445 a response for Divine favours, . _ . 445 an expression of gratitude for Divine favours, . ._ . . . . 445 Providence, mercy in the revolutions of (See Mercv), . . . . .363 Providential inequalities readjusted (See Inequalities), . . .266 Provisions, Divine . . . .218 are the result of the Divine pre- sence, 218 contemplate real need, . . . 218 come in unexpected forms, . .218 C XXll INDEX. flow with abounding fulness, . are constantly permanent, Psalm of universal praise, a (See Praise), Punishment, pardon with (See Par- don), Purpose of the revelation of God's power, the (See Revelation), . PAGE . 218 . 218 Qualifications, prosperity and (See Prosperity), its Reaping, sowing and (See Sow- ing), Recognition of God's goodness, man's, God's goodness is manifested to meet man's need, shall be imiversally recognised, such recognition will characterise the redeemed and glorified Church for ever, Recollection and an encouraging anti- cipation, a devout resolution, grate- ful (See Resolution), . Recollections, precious yet sorrowful, . of lost privileges, .... their country, ..... their freedom, their religious privileges, . of privileges which they had lost by reason of their non-appreciation of them, Redeemed, the way of the, . Redemption and provision, mercy in human (See Mercy), Redemption, its sure foundations, . and its awful sanctions, the hope of (See Hope), . Refreshing Himself, Christ, the Divine refreshment, . the consequence of that refresh ment, ..... Refuge of the distressed, Jehovah the, the soul is often in circumstances of distress, .... in every time of distress Jehovfth is an available refuge, the most signal manifestations of Di vine help are realised in the sane tuary, ..... the soul is deKvered from distress only as it turns to Jehovah, . Reign and praise of the Lord, the glo rious, the reign of the Lord, its stability, .... its majesty, .... its universality, the praise of the Lord, by holy angels, .... by the unintelligent creation, . by redeemed men. Reign of God, the, the subjects of the Divine govern ment 104 102 190 196 336 242 242 243 243 374 367 367 368 368 368 160 364 191 192 192 343 182 182 182 321 322 322 322 323 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 127 128 91 91 PAGE certain characters which mark his ad- ministration, the demand upon our grateful joy, Reign, the praise of the Divine, . tlie characteristics of t4ie Lord's, glorious, mighty, perpetual, the conversation on His reign, . delight in His reign, . praise of His reign, . desire for the extension of His reign, 429 Rejoicing of the good man in the government of God, the (See Government), .... Relation to different characters, the praise of the Divine, His relation to the weak and the burdened, the dependent, the prayerful, His saints, ..... the wicked, His righteousness and kindness in all His relations, . . . • . ^„ His praise because of all His relations, 433 Relationships, Divine, . . . 241 a relationship of obedience yet friendship, of friendship yet obedience, must receive a formal and public ac- knowledgment, .... Relief which the Gospel affords, the suf- ferings of God's servants, and the (See Suffering), .... Religion, personal, .... consists in the acknowledgment of a personal God, .... acknowledgment of a personal God accessible to man, apprehension of a personal God, enjoyment of a Divine revelation, . personal sacrifices, .... devout worship, Religion, the characteristics and bless- edness of true, .... the characteristics of true religion, . fear of the Lord, .... delight in God's commandments. Divine praise, ..... the blessedness of true religion, Religion, the posthumous results of, . what the text presupposes, wliat the text declares, what the text implies. Religious fellowship (See Fellow- ship), Religious gladness, .... Religious profession (See Profession), 296 Remedy, a danger and its (See Dan- ger), Remembrance of the Lord's benefits, man's (See Benefits), . Removal of obstacles, the (See Obsta- cles), Removed, Avhy obstacles are (See Ob- stacles), 217 92 92 429 429 429 429 429 429 429 429 66 431 431 431 432 432 432 433 241 242 242 398 252 252 252 252 253 253 253 194 194 194 194 194 194 195 195 195 196 286 65 304 122 216 INDEX. XXIll PAGE an Renewal of the face of the earth ilhistiation of the renewal of the soul, the the renewal of the face of the earth, succeeds to the dreary and seem- ingly dead state of nature in Avinter, ...... is marked by life and freshness, is very gradual, .... is irresistihle, is initiatory to a glorious season of maturity, Requital, spiritual, .... God requites His saints for their prayers, . _ His requital is ample, should be reciprocated by man's re- quital of God's love, Resignation, its duties and usefulness, resignation to the Divine will, . presupposes and includes prayer for coinfort and support, prayer for life is consistent with, prolonged life is desired for the two- fold influence that it may Avield, . Resolution, a devout, grateful recollec- tion, and an encouraging anticipa- tion, a devout resolution, .... to praise God in the most excellent manner, . . .... for the most excellent reasons, . a grateful recollection, of speedy and gracious answers to prayer, an encouraging anticipation. Resolutions, good, .... depend on the presence of God for their fulfilment have respect to Divine law, their fulfilment depends on the right state of the heart and life, and should be followed by gratitude, 256 Response, a godless inquiry and a godly (See Inquiry), . . . 220 Responsibility towards the young, our, a Sunday-school sermon, . .116 Rest, the soul's return to its, . . 233 this rest is its rightful heritage, . 233 man's lost rest may be regained, . 234 Restored, the harmony of creation (See Harmony), 138 Results of religion, the posthumous (See Religion), . . . .195 Revelation of God's power, the purpose of the, 190 God's people have acquired the lieri- tage of the heathen, . . .190 this acquisition is the result of Divine power, .... 190 and is for the benefit of humanity at large, 190 Revelation of the Lord, creation a, .130 displays His absolute power, . .130 over the waters, . . . .130 over the earth, 131 displays Hib delight in beauty, . 131 137 137 137 137 238 239 239 239 2S7 287 288 288 288 374 374 374 375 375 375 375 255 255 256 256 His great law of service, . His regard for all His creatures. His su])rcme regard for man, Revival of the Church, a, and symptoms Avhich precede it, . Revolutions, terrestrial, revolutions in countries, . revolutions in human life, tlie salutary impression of such, Retribution, ...... an im}»ortant feature of the Divine government of the world, a cry for retribution, .... an illustration of the nature of, the desire for retribution is i)rone to develop into vindictiveness towards those who have injured us, . Reward of the wicked, the, . Riches, the Bible better than (See Bible), Righteous, the palm-tree an analogue of the (See Palm), .... Righteous, the stability and memory of the, ...... Road, the heavenly, .... man is naturally in the wrong way, . reflection will lead men into the right way, the choice of the right way must be followed by a deliberate change of habit, i\\e right way is to be pursued with alacrity, this alacrity is not to be lessened by the dangers and privations of tlie road, Royal army, the, .... Sacred enclosure, the (See Enclo sure), Sacrifices, spiritual, a recognition of the spiritual priest hood of believers, . spiritual priests must have spiritua preparation, .... must ofler, and can only offer, spiri tual sacrifices, ... spiritual offerings must be free-will offerings, .... free-will offerings are most acceptable to God, Saints, the communion of (See Com munion), .... Salvation, the outcome of the Divine mercies, not a liuman effort, but a Divine visitation, .... the subject of Divine promise, . a witness to the steadfastness of the Divine word, .... Salvation, God's, .... its nature, ..... its conditions, .... characteristics of the prayer for it, its obligations, .... Salvation, man's advei^sity and God's (See Adversity), .... age 132 132 132 "5 16s 165 166 166 373 373 373 373 374 53 284 68 199 280 280 280 281 28 1 281 177 249 298 298 298 298 299 299 281 274 274 274 274 275 314 314 314 315 315 289 XXIV INDEX, PAGE Sanctuary, blessing?? on the, . . 349 the Temple is called the rest of God, 349 the Temple -was incomplete without the ark, 349 the other blessings which are asked for, 350 School sermon, a Sunday, . . .116 Sarcasm the cause of pungent suffering, 329 a common weapon of the enemies of God, . . . ... 329 the cause of pungent suffering to His people, 330 this suffering is counterbalanced by the consolations of the Divine mercy, 330 Seamen and the Sovereign of the sea, distressed, 163 God's sovereignty over the sea, . 163 man's impotency when the sea rebels against him, 163 man's resource when the sea rebels against him, . . . . .164 God's answer to man's cry, . .164 man's obligation for God's interposi- tion, 164 Seasons of praise, the subjects and, . 64 Seasons, the uses of the (See Uses), . 132 Security of the godly, the inviolable, . 5 1 as effected by God, . . . .51 its tenderness and effectiveness, . 5 1 as gloriously complete, . . 'Si safe from all perils, . . . .51 safe at all times, . . . '52 raised above the fear of danger, . 52 as conditionated by trust in God, . 53 Security of the good, the privilege and (See Privilege), .... 332 Self-retributive character of slander, the (See Slander), . . .317 Separation and consistency, . . . 302 the necessity of separation from evil- doers, ...... 302 the duty of keeping God's command- ments, 303 the importance of prompt resolution, 303 Serious word for young men, a (See Word), 256 Sermon, a Sunday-school, . . .116 Servant of God, the, .... 272 God qualifies His servants, . . 272 those whom God qualifies for. He consecrates to His service, . . 272 those whom He consecrates He sup- ports by special encouragements, . 273 those whom He qualifies, conse- crates, and encourages are expected to exhibit certain traits, . . 273 Service, a noble people and a noble (See Noble), 204 Service, life as the sphere of Divine, . 227 the features of Divine seivice, . . 228 the sphere of Divine service, . . 22S exceptions to Divine service, . . 228 Shadow, human life a, . , . .416 Sheep, the lost, 315 the Avandering, 315 the search, 316 PAGE the recollection, . . . .316 Sickness and Divine healing, human, . 162 human sickness, . . . .162 in its cause and effect, . . .162 Divine healing, . . , .162 effected in answer to prayer, , .162 effected with supreme ease, . .162 demanding grateful acknowledgment, 163 Sin and folly of being unhappy, the (See Unhappy), 105 Sin estimated by the light of heaven, . 40 Sin, human frailty the result of human (See Frailty), Sin in its progress, pollution, and punishment, . sin in its progress, disobedience, evil associations, idolatry, offering human sacrifices, sin in its pollution, , sin in its punishment, punishment was long delayed, an expression of Divine anger, corresponded with the sin, Sin in its root, expressions, and punish ments, in its root — forgetfulness of God, in its expressions, as regards the Divine provision, as regards the Divinely-appointed leaders, .... as regards the Divine Person, in its punishments, . punishment corresponding with sin, punishment averted by intercession. Sin, the Lord's goodness and man's (See Goodness), .... Sinners entreated to hear God's voice, Sins of men, the covenant of God and the (See Covenant), . Slander, 108, Slander, the self-retributive character of, the work of slander, .... the retribution of slander, Solicitude on behalf of sons and daughters, the objects of this solicitude, . our sons, ...••. our daughters, . • . . • the subjects of this solicitude, . Song, encouragements to holy. Song of the Builders, the (See Builders), Songs in a strange land, • . _ Songs in exile, the difficulty of singing, what the world is to the Christian, . whence arises the difficulty of sing- ing the Lord's song in a world like this, what answer shall be returned to the inquiry — "How shall Ave sing?" &c., • Songs of degrees, ..... Song, the earthly pilgrimage and the heavenly (See Pilgrimage), 156 156 156 156 156 156 157 157 157 157 157 151 151 151 151 151 151 152 152 152 149 86 21 170 317 317 318 419 419 419 420 421 64 352 372 371 371 372 372 316 278 INDEX. XXV PAGE Sons and danghters, solicitude on be- half of (See Solicitude), . . 419 Sorrowful recollections, precious yet (See Kecollections), . . . 367 Sorrows of the soul and tlie knowledge of God, the, , . , • . 401 a figure indicating great sorrow, . 401 a fact afi'ording great consolation, . 402 Soul, the home of the (See Home), . 35 Soul, the need, succour, and triumph of the, 201 Soul's return to its rest, the (See Rest), . . . . . .233 Souls, the duty of caring for, . . 402 Sound, the blessedness of knowing the joyful, 16 what the Gospel is 16 what it demands, . . . .16 what it ensures, . . . .16 Sovereign of the sea, distressed seamen and the (See Seamen), . . .163 Sovereignty of Christ, the . . • 1 74 Christ reigns by Divine appointment, 175 by Divine right, . , . .175 by a devout acknowledgment, . .175 over a disputed empire, . . -175 by the enforced service of His foes, . 1 75 will reign over an undisputed uni- verse, 176 Sovereignty of God, examples of the holy, and the becoming worship of His people (See Ex^VMPLES), . loi Sowing and reaping, .... 336 the time of sowing is often attended with anxiety and sorrow, . . 336 the time of reaping is one of inexpres- sible joy, 336 Special prayer (See Prayer), . . 230 Spirit, the wicked (See Wicked), . 202 Spiritual joys (See Joys), . . . 140 Spiritual requital (See Kequital), . 238 Spiritual sacrifices (See Sacrifices), . 298 Spiritual warfare (See Warfare), . 246 Stability and memory of the righteous, the, 199 Stages from misery to exultation, . 157 misery leading to a cry for mercy, . 158 a cry for mercy securing the Divine regard .158 the Divine regard securing relief from trouble, . . . • .158 relief from trouble awakening prayer for complete salvation, . . '158 Strangers and pilgrims, • . . 265 the stranger, ..... 265 the stranger's prayer, . • • 266 the stranger's longing, . • . 266 Strength in weakness, . . . • 269 the Psalmist's case, . • . . 269 the Psalmist's prayer, . . . 269 the Psalmist's plea, .... 269 Strem;th of CJod an encouragement to His ijeoi)le to trust in Him, the . 1 1 the strength of God is manifested in His complete control over nature, 11 manifested in His subjugation of His foes, 12 PAGE ever exercised in liannony withriglit- eousness, mercy, and truth, . .12 an encouragement to trust Him, . 13 Subjects and expressions of praise, the (See I'RALSE), .... 463 Subjects and seasons of ])raise, the . 64 Subjects, tlie character, privileges, and duty of the King's (See Cha- racter), 94 SuccoTir and triumph of the soul, the need, ...... 201 Suffering, sarcasm the cause of pun- gent (See Sarcasm), . . . 329 Suflerings of God's servants, the, and the relief which the CJospel affords, 398 God's most favoured servants have often l)een exposed to the utmost extremity and danger, . . . 398 in the most hoj)eless circumstances the (Jospel aifords relief, . . 399 in ])ro])ortion to the safety of God's children must be the misery of His enemies, ...... 399 Summons to holy work, the, . . 79 review a few characteristics of the evil-doers, ... • • 79 consider the course which God has taken with these evil-doers, and. what is involved in the appeal liere uttered, ...... 80 the response which is nuide to tliis appeal, ...... 80 Summons to universal praise, a (See Praise), 455 Superior understanding (See Under- standing), 295 Support, universal dependence and Divine (See Dependence), . . 433 Supremacy of the Lord in the Church and the state, . . . -99 His supremacy in the Church, . . 99 He dwells there, ... -99 He is supreme there, . . -99 His supremacy in the state, . . 99 characterised by power, . . .100 and righteousness, . . . .100 His supremacy is a reason for worship, 100 Supremely great, the (See Great), . 443 Surprises, historical, . . . .143 a famine driving the people from the land promised to them, yet con- trihuting to their ])OSsession of it, . 143 a slave becomes the saviour of a country and of the chosen people, 143 a prisoner made the ruler over the land, 144 a subject people growing stronger than a sovereign peo])le, . . 144 Symptoms which precede it, a revival of the Church, and, . . . nS Temple and the kingdom, the, . .215 Teneo et teneor, 267 how do we keep God's testimonies ? . 267 how do God's testimonies keep us? . 267 Terrestrial revolutions (See Kevolu- TIONS), 165 XXVI INDEX. Testimonies a gromid of joy, God's, what the Psahiiist did ? rejoiced in (Jod's testimonies, . why he did it ? . because of their suitability to hi need, ..... because the greater covered the less. Testimonies, the benefit of God's, they are delights, they are counsellors, . Testimony, its subject, .... its manner, .... its reason, ..... Theme for joyous song, deliverance (See Deliverance), Things and how to see them, wondrous (See WoNDEOUS), . Thoughts, the preciousness and num ber of God's, .... the preciousness of them, . because of their originality, their moral excellence, their practicableness and utility, their influence upon our thoughts, their generosity, the number of them, . the realisation of God's presence. Three petitions, the (See Petitions), Time and ours, the Lord's, . a time common to both to Avork, a work common for both to do, a time for God alone to work, . a work for God alone to do. Time, the praise of (See Praise >, Travellers and their Divine Helper distressed, .... the distressed travellers, . through a pathless desert, through a homeless desert, through an inhospitable desert, the all-sufficient Helper, . His help was granted in answer to prayer, and was adequate to their need, the manifest obligation, . to praise the Divine Helper, Treatment of different classes of cha racter, God's, His treatment of the humble, . the proud, .... His afflicted people, . His trustful people, . Trial, the conduct of a good man in time of (See Conduct), Trials of the godly, the, uncongenial neighbours, . unrighteous contradictions, Trials, the comforts of Christians under. Triumph of the Christian life, the com plete, promoted by praise to God, inasmuch as it honours God, . and strengthens faith, promoted by consideration of the triumphs already achieved, . assured Dy God, PAGE 261 261 261 262 262 262 267 267 268 260 260 261 261 335 264 386 386 386 386 387 387 387 387 387 47 304 304 304 304 304 424 159 159 159 159 159 160 160 160 160 160 377 377 377 378 378 395 318 318 318 81 167 167 167 167 167 168 PAGE Triumph of the soul, the need, sue cour, and, .... Triumph over tyranny, Christ's (See Tyranny), Triumph, the Lord's, the personal triumpli of Christ, the triumphs of His Gospel in the human heart, the triumphs of His Church in the world. Trouble in life, prayer in trouble, and confidence in prayer, trouble in life, . arising from enemies who were ma lignant, ..... confederate, .... slanderous, .... violent, determined, .... proud, cunning, ..... prayer in trouble, for preservation from enemies, . the overthrow of encHiies, confidence in prayer, based upon his relation to God, his ideas of God, his experience of the protection of God, 201 180 248 248 248 248 392 392 392 392 392 392 392 392 392 393 393 393 393 393 393 393 his faith in the righteous rule of God, 393 True greatness (See Greatness), Trust and praise, the trust prohibited, .... the trust encouraged, the praise celebrated. Trust, human and Divine, man must trust, .... wliom should man trust ? . who warrants that trust? . God offers Himself as the object of human trust, ..... Trust in God, the nature of, the grounds of, those who, the consequences of, . Truth of God, the eternal, . God is true, in all generations, .... Tyranny, Christ's triumph over, . all tyranny is the foe of Christ, is subject to the wrath of Clirist, Avill be destroyed by Christ, will be supplanted by Christ, . Tyranny of the wicked transient, the, the rule of the wicked is tyrannical, the tyranny of the wicked is transient, the unchecked tyranny of the wicked would be a serious discouragement to the righteous, .... Unbelief, a warning against (See Warning), Understanding, superior, what in ? . over whom ? through what power ? by what instrumentality ? 309 435 435 436 437 246 246 246 246 246 222 222 223 223 223 106 106 107 180 180 181 181 181 333 333 333 84 295 295 295 295 295 IXDEX. xxvu AGE 105 106 106 106 356 354 354 354 355 355 464 206 134 3^9 198 198 198 i-;2 with what results ? . . . Unhappy, the sin and folly of being, Cfod is happy, .... angels are happy, forgiven men are happy, . we can only he nnhappy by refusinf. pardon. by refusing Christ, by determining not to turn. Union, Christian, .... its nature, ..... its importance, .... Unity, the excellence and beauty of fraternal, .... its propriety, .... its comprehensiveness, its joyousness, .... its influence, .... Universal praise (See Praise), Universal worship (See WORSHIP), Universe, the Lord and His (See Lord) Upright, a prayer of the (See Prayer) Upright, the attributes of the, the upright bend, yet they maintain their- integrity. Uses of the seasons, the, the uses of day, .... it is the season of work for man, of retirement for wild beasts, the uses of night, it is the season of rest for man, of activity for wild beasts, the moral uses of the seasons, . by them God teaches us, . the measurement of time, . the preciousness of time, . the fitness of certain times for certain duties, Vanity of idols an incentive to praise the Lord God, the (See Idols), Vanity of man apart from his immor- tality, the, ..... the shortness of his life, . the disorders and miseries of this world, the diseases of the body, . the manual and mechanical labours, the unsatisfactoriness of wealth, the imsatisfactoriness of knowledge, the unsatisfactoriness of religion also, but this hypothesis is utterly false, . Victoiy of the good, the foes and (See Foes), View of the wicked, the poet's (See Wicked), Views of death, two, .... Voice, sinners entreated to hear God's, Voices of creation (See Creation), Voracity of the wicked, the insatiable, the wicked are ever ready to devour the righteous, .... the Lord is the deliverer of the right- eous, 331 thanksgiving should be offered to the Lord for His deliverance, . . 331 Walking before God 235 133 133 134 134 134 134 134 360 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 30 57 388 241 86 135 331 331 wluit it implies, what it means, . . . . . where it takes place, . . . . Warfare, spiritual, . . . . danger, ...... lielp, victory, Warning against unbelief, a, the ensan»])Ie of liumau sin, the ensample of Divine judgment, . the improvement to be made of these cnsamples, . . . . . Way of the redeemed, the, . Way within us, the wicked, and the praj^cr preferred, . . . . Ways, God's, though often inscrutable, are riglitcous, Ways, the two, there are two ways, . . . . these are open to man's deliberate choice, ...... the false way is most natural to man, .... . . to walk hrmly in the true way Divine assistance is indispensable, . continuance in the true way is con- ditional on the use of Divinely- appointed means, . . . , Weakness, strength in (See Strength), Wicked spirit, the, . . . . the character of the wicked, the inspection of the wicked, the disappointment of the wicked, . the fate of the wicked, . . . Wicked, the desire of the (See Desire), Wicked, the insatiable voracity of the (See Voracity), . . . . Wicked, the poet's view of the, . the character of the wicked described, the end of the wicked predicted, the com])anionship of the wicked avoided, Wicked, the reward of the, . Wicked, the temporal prosperity of the, Willows, harps on the (See Harps), . Winter and its moral suggestions, winter indicates the severity of God, suggests the retributiveness of tlie Divine arrangements, some things which are peculiar to this season have special instruction for us, is an emblem of old age, . of the present state of the bodies of the departed, and of the present moral state of the world, ...... Wondrous things, and how to see them, man by himself cannot see wondrous things, . . . . . . there is a process by means of which man may see wondrous tilings, when this process is complete won- drous things are seen in God's law, Word a lamp and a light, God's (See Light), age -35 236 236 246 246 247 247 84 84 85 85 160 391 92 269 269 269 269 269 270 269 202 202 203 203 203 203 331 3S8 388 388 388 53 66 369 449 449 449 449 450 450 450 264 264 264 264 295 XXVlll INDEX. PAGE Word a tried word and a loved -word, God's, .... Word exalted, God's, Word for young men, a serious, a serious question asked, . a satisfactory answer given, sufficient reasons suggested, Word, God's, desired, .... instructive, wonderful, .... kept, AVord, love for God's (See Love), Word of God, the benefit and obliga tion of the Word of God, the, its sphere and its service, .... Word the heritage of His people, God's (See Heritage), . Word the object of reverence and joy, God's, .... Word, the stability of God's, the recti tude of God's Avorks, and Word, the truth and endurance of God's God's word is based upon truth, had its beginning in truth, is true all through, . AVork, the summons to holy (See SuM MONS), Works and God's words, God's, . have immovable foundations, . continue, are servants of the Divine faithful ness, .... the heavens and the earth will some day cease to be ; not so the pro mises, ...... 291 W^orks and worship of the Lord, the, . 139 the worship of the Divine Being, . 139 the character of the Divine works, . 1 39 the treatment of the Divine works, . 140 the people of the Divine choice, . 140 Works, forgetfulness of the Divine (See FORGETFULNESS), . . . . 152 Works of God, the, the subject of soul satisfying search, . . . .185 308 376 256 257 257 257 305 305 306 306 306 300 291 259 299 312 191 312 312 312 ^12 79 290 290 291 291 God's works are great, should be the subject of study, are promotive of soul- satisfaction, . Works, the rectitude of God's, and the stability of God's word, World's most joyous day, the (See Day), . . . Worship, an invitation to, the method of worship, joyfully, . readily, gratefully, . reverently, the motives of worship, because Jehovah is supreme, . He is the creator and proprietor of all things, . • . . . because of His relations to His people, Worship, church and congregational, . distinctions in worship, places of worship, .... manner of worship, .... Worship of His people, examples of the holy sovereignty of God and the becoming (See Examples), . Worship of the Lord, the works and (See Works), . Worshij), the highest, . is offered to God, is offered by saints, . is reverent in spirit, . in it the presence of God is realised. Worship, the joy of Divine (See JOY), Worship, the object, obligation, and expression of, .... Worship, universal, • . . . God's name ought to be praised everywhere, . . . • . under all circumstances, . at all times, ..... Wretchedness and Divine compassion, human (See Compassion), page . 185 . 186 . 186 191 87 82 82 82 83 ^Z 83 83 83 84 184 184 184 185 lOI 139 325 89 206 206 206 206 365 Young, our responsibility towards the, 116 ZiON a type of the Church, . . .353 INDEX TO AUTHORS QUOTED. Yexy brief quotations are not indicated in tJm hides:. Addison, Joseph, 324, 424, Alexander, J. A., 31. Alford, Henry, 84, 129, Allon, Henry, 462. Amyraldus, 31. Arvine, R., 85. Augustine, 224. Bacon, L., 70. Bailey, P. J., 60, 328, 465. BaUy, G., 75- Barbauld, A. L., 39. Barnes, Albert, 98, 114, 118, 238, 253, 256, 270, 281, 284, 312, 316, 318, 360, 374, 399, 419, 423, 432, 449. Bayley, Emilius, 389. Beecher, H. W., 95, 197, 213, 380. Be van, Ll.D., 369. Bonar, Horatius, 44, 60, 105. Bouchier, B., 74. Boyle, Robert, 308. Brooks, George, 353, 372, 379, 415, 455, Brown, J. Baldwin, 208. Bruce, W. S., 424. Buck, C, 385. Burleigh, W. H., 389. Burns, Jabez, 428, 437. Bushnell, H., 134, 278. Byron, Lord, 459. Calvin, John, 128, 380. •' Caravan and the Temple," the, 321, 328, 330, 333, 3:7, 342. Carlyle, Thomas, 133, 319. Chalmers, Thomas, 441. Charnocke, IStephen, 32, 33, 100, 118, 380, 381. " Christian Guardian," the, 416, Clarke, Adam, in, 257, 306, 312, 315, 340. Clayton, George, 152. Coleridge, S. T., 173. Ccley, Samuel, 210. Dale, R. W., 227; Darby, 3. Dawson, W., 59. Delitzsch, F., 460. " Dictionary of Illustrations," 85. Disraeli, B., 177. -R, 122. Finlayson, 238. Fletcher, Joseph, 125, Goadby, J. J., 47. GraA% Thomas, in. Griffin, R. A., 81. Grindon, L. H., 38. Gurnall, W., 109. Guthrie, Thomas, 355. Hall, John, 116. Hall, Robert, 27, 81, 92, 430. Hamilton, James, 31, 46. Harmer, T., 329. Havard, W., 319. Hayman, Henry, 457. Heber, Reginald, 90. Hengstenberg, E. W., 48, 97, 151, 357, 409. Henry, M., 59, 124, 156, 238, 270, 277, 306, 393. Herbert, George, 359. Hervev, A. C, i. Hibbaid, F. G, I. " Homiletical Quarterly," the, 152, 411, 424. Hood, E. R, 439. Horsley, S., 114. Horton, T., 79. Howe, John, 7. Jenkins, E. E., 236. Keble, John, 332. L-, 93. Lecky, W. E. H., 176, 178. Liddon, H. P., 229, 248. LiUey, W. O., 411- Longfellow, H. W., 70. Lovelace, 404. L s, 422. Luther, M., Zo^ 34» 73» 355- Maclaren, a., 102, 180, 200, 240, 265, 352. Mansel, H. L., 209. Melville, H., 84. Mill, J. S., 176. Milton, John, 128, 131. Moll, C. B., 204, 242, 284, 406. Montgomeiy, J., 133, 345- Moore, T., 112, 345, 351. XXX INDEX TO A UTHORS QUOTED. Morris, A. J., 42, 235, 236. M,, W., 160. N., 402. Napoleon, 176, 1S2. Newman, J. H., 385. Parker, Joseph, 73, 118, 135, 202, 221, 310, 442. Pascal, B., 224. Payson, E., 40, 86. Peabody, 257, Pearson, 225. Perowne, J. J. S., 6, 71, 77, 82, 97, 99, 128, 138, 139, 142, 147, 148, 152, 158, 159, 165, 166, 170, 172, 194, 229, 344, 347, 354, 361, 367, 375, 379, 3S8, 392, 395> 39^, 412,413, 422, 451, 456, 461. Plumptre, E. H,, 210. Pollok, R., 163. "Preacher's Treasury," the, 356. " Puljnt Analyst," the, 160. Pulsford, J., 104, 121. Punshon, AV. M., 132, 349. quarles, f., 160. Kaffles, T., 414. Raleigh, A., 265. Penan, E., 176. Keynoids, H. P., 73, 79. Robertson, F, W., 32, 108. Ruskin, J., 131, 133, 445. Rutherford, 192. Saurin, J., 382. Sayer, J., 419. Scott, W., 9. Shakspeare, W., no, in, 117, 154, 170, 171, 172, 239, 317, 327, 330, 374, 415, 459. " Skeletons of Sermons," 122. '* Sketches of Sermons," 93, 402. Sleigh, W., 16, 149. "Speaker's Commentary," the, 253, 284, 316. Spenser, E., 55. Spurgeon, C. H,, 106, 108, 123, 439. Stanley, A. P., 109, 237, 2,n' Stewart, A., 227. Stier, R., 250. Strauss, 176. Stuart, M., 118. " Study," the, 115. Tennyson, A., 39, 228, 355. Thodey, S., 345, 365, 37 1, 37^, 383, 398, 410, 450, 463. Thomson, J., 450. Tillotson, J., 75. Trapp, J., 341. "Treasury of David," the, 64. Vaughan, 183. Vince, C, 194. Wallace, T., 391. Waring, A. L., 344. Watson, R., 75, 91. Watts, I., 60, 138, 375, 437. Wells, John, 64. Wesley, C, 338. Whitcomb, W. C, 356. Wilberforce, S., 211. Wileman, J., 115. Wilkins, 443. Wilson, G., 385. Wythe, W. W., 376. Xavier, F., 58. Young, E., 369,415,418. Young, J., 208, 219. Page 59a, 61, 616, 72a, ii5a, 359a, 3766, 386&, 3896, 409a, 422a, 437^^, ERRATA. line 51, supply "is" before "in." , , 9, for ' ' But " read ' ' Both." ,, 23, ,, "adduces" reao? "educes." ,, 10, ,, "number" ,, "member." „ 2, „ "our" „ "one." ,, 19, ,, "invite" „ "incite." ,, I, ,, "transferred,, "transformed." ,, 13, delete "is " before " drawn." , , 12, for ' * entranced " read * ' entrance." „ 54, „ "Here" „ "Hear." ,, 24, ,, " omnipotence " reac? " omnipresence." ,, 4, ,, "enemy is" ,, " enemies are." ^7 P B TIT C K '.. :\ H 0 M I L E TIC COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS. PSALM LXXXVIIL Introduction. SupcrBcription.-^' A Sonrj or Psalms i.e., combining the properties of both a Psalm and a song. ^^Por the sonsofAorahrsee Introduction to P«alm xlii. ''The expression, 'To te Chief irnS']'' 'T''M 1 Vn ''' '^1 T \^'''}''^^'' ^« ^ P'-OP^'- Church song." " (/pan Mahalath Ltannoth. On Mahalath," see Introduction to P.a. liii. '"Zea«no//i' is variously rendered according as it is derived from 7^:^^^ to suffer, he afflicted, or from T^:^l> to chant, sing. Gesenius, De Wette Dr. Davies, and others take the latter view; while MuVge. Heuirstenbenr Alexander, and others take the former. Madge translates, lo create de^onTMe^llfr renders, mahalath cannot h, concerning afflictive sickness ; Hengstenberg reads, npnn ^t Sc, of oppression. The Septuagint {d^oKpcev^ac) and the Vulgate {rdpondemhm) ml c te a responswesous, and Houb.gaut translates the words in question, for the choirs ihZheymal answer. Many etymologists consider the primary idea of Hj;;, to sing, that of ansivering. The tone of the Psalm in question, however, being decidedly that of sadness and dejection it and the whole title may read therefore, 'A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah to the chief musman npon the fates or the hollow instruments) to afflict (or cause dejection) a didac cP^Z ofHeman, theLzrahUer-{F. G. Hihhard.) ^^ Maschil,'^ an instruction, a didacticl^alm OfHemanthe ^zrahite.^' It is generally held that this Heman is the son of Joel an grandson of Samuel the prophet, a Kohathite, one of the famous musicians of the time of David, who IS several times spoken of in connection with Asaph and Ethan or Jeduthun I Chron VI. 33; XV. 17^.9; xxv. 1, 3. "Ethan is the same as Jeduthun," says Hen^sten-' berg. But Lord A. C. Hervey in Smithes Diet, of the Bible says, -^yhether or nl this IlJman {I.e., the above-mentioned) is the person to- whom the 8Sth Psalm is ascribed, is doubtful Ihe chief reason for supposing him to be the same is, that as other Psalms are ascribed to Asaph and Jeduthun, so it is likely that this one should be to Heman the singer. But on the other hand he IS there called Hhe Ezrahite;' and the 89 th Psalm is ascribed to 'Ethan the i:.zraliite. But since Heman and Ethan are described in 1 Chron. ii. 6, as 'sons of Zerah ' it IS in the highest degree probable that Ezrahite means ' of the family of Zerah ' and con- sequently that Heman of the 8Sth Psalm is diflferent from Heman, the singer, the Kohathite in 1 ^ings IV. 31, again we have mention, as of the wisest of mankind, of Ethan the Ezra- lute, Heman Chalcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol, a list corresponding with the names of the sons of Zerah, m 1 Chron. ii. 6. The inference from which is, that there was a Heman different from Heman the singer, of the family of Zerah the son of Judah, and that he is dis- tinguished fi-om Heman the singer, the Levite, by being called the Ezrahite. . . . H Heman the Kohathite, or his father, had married an heiress of the house of Zerah, as the sons of llakkoz did of the house of Barzillai, and was so reckoned in the genealogy of Zerah then all the notices of Heman might point to the same person, and the musical skill of ])avid's chief musician, and the wisdom of David's seer, and the genius of the author of the SSth Psalm concurring in the same individual, would make him fit to be joined with those other worthies wliose wisdom was only exceeded by that of Solomon. But it is impossible to assert that tills was the case. There is nothing in the Psalm which marks clearly the time and occasion of its composition, ine rsalm is very mournful and desponding in its character. There are other Psalms which are the utterance of the troubled heart, but they have in them some rays of light, some gleam II ^v}^^\ • "■* "^ *^"^ ^^® darkness is unrelieved. It is, says Stier, "The most mournful of aii theplamtiye Psalms, yea, so wholly plaintive, without any ground of hope, that nothing like It 18 found in the whole Scriptures." Prayer from the Depth of Misery. {Ve7-ses 1-9.) I. A great depth of aflaiction. In 1. Ills trovhlea were spiritual " ^{y a very expressive manner the P.salmist soul is full of troubles.'' The Psalmist sets forth his distresses. was probably suffering from some severe VOL. II. A 1 PSALM LXXXVIII. EOMILETIC COMMENTARY: PSALMS. and painful physical disease. He was certainly suffering in spirit. There is no trouble so sore and hard to bear as trouble in the soul. " The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity ; but a wounded spirit who can bear'?" The poet's mind was troubled, his heart was sorrowful, he seems almost in despair. The severest anguish is not that of the body, but that of the spirit. When cherished hopes are blighted, and fond and worthy ambitions are destroyed, and those we trusted prove untrue, and those we love are summoned away leaving us to tread life's pilgrimage without them, and our sins arise against us so many in number, so enormous in guilt, and God seems to have forsaken us, or to be smiting us in His wrath, — who shall describe the anguish of such experiences 1 Yet good men sometimes pass through them. 2. His tro2ihles ivere many. ''My soul is full of troubles." He enume- rates some of the many troubles with which his soul was full. His acquaint- ances were removed from him, he was afflicted and ready to die, and God was pursuing him as with the breakers of an angry sea. He was satiated with sorrows. The utmost limit of his endur- ance he seemed to have reached. The cup of his distresses would not contain one drop more. 3. His troubles were bringing him speedily to death. He uses various ex- pressions setting forth this idea. " My life draweth nig-h unto the crave," unto Sheol, the abode of the dead. He felt that unless he obtained speedy relief he must die. " I am counted with them that go down unto the pit. I am as a man that hath no strength." He was so near death, his case seemed so hopeless, that men reckoned him among the dead. And his strength had de- parted from him.' "Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more." There is a passage in Job (iii. 17-19) which will help us to elucidate the first clause. " There the M'icked cease from troubling ; and there the weary be at rest; there the prisoners rest together ; they hear not the voice of the oppressor; the small and erreat 2 are there ; and the servant is free from^ his master." The dead are emancipated from the cares and sorrows, the toils and burdens of life. " The comparison with the dead is followed by that with the slai?i, because the Psalmist was threatened with violent deprivation of life. ' To be cut off f?-om the hand of God,' His helping and protecting hand is to be made away with in a violent manner." . . . The idea which lies at the foundation of the whole verse is this, " that the dead are no longer the objects of the loving care of God." Life and immortality were not brought to light in the days of the Psalmist as they are in the Gospel. Men shuddered at, and shrank from, that " land of darkness as darkness itself ; and of the shadow of death without any order, and where the light is darkness." '' Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps." "The lowest pit" is Sheol, deep under the earth. All these ex- pressions are intended to set forth the idea that the Psalmist was on the ver}'- verge of the grave, that he was already as one dead, and that hope had almost or altogether forsaken him. Or, if it be held that the languasre is to be fis-ura- tively understood, then we have before us a good man in the most appalling trouble; the darkness which envelops his spirit is like that of the grave itself, his anguish is unsupportable, his griefs are overwhelming, and he is brought to the last extremity. 4. His troubles isolated him froirv human society. " Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me ; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them : I am shut up, and I cannot come- forth." In time of suffering and sor- row the presence and sympathy of a friend are very precious and helpful. But the poet in his great affliction was forsaken by his friends. Such desertions are among the sharpest sorrows of life. It would seem as though the Psalmist was either suffering from some infec- tious or defiling disease, or from the attacks of slander. Men shrank from him with loathing. In the Hebrew the word which is translated " abomina- tion " is in the plural. Men regarded nOMlLETlC COMMENTARY : PSALMS. I'SALM LXXXVlir. him as though he were an assemblage of abominations, or one great mass of abominations. Hengstenberg interprets "I am sliut \\\), and I cannot come forth," as '' shut up by public reproach, which keeps me in the house like a prisoner, I do not go out, I stir not from the door." Slander has been truly called '"'the foulest w^help of sin." And " the worthiest people are the most injured by shnder, as we usually find that to be the best fruit which the birds have been pecking at." Human friend- ships, or the things which so often degrade the high and holy name, are most unreliable and unsatisfactory things. True friendships are as rare as they are precious. Prosperity at- tracts to us a large number of so-called friends, but adversity tests them, and sometimes all fail in the trial, as did those of the Psalmist. His acquaint- ance all forsook him, and regarded him with abhorrence or loathinjr. 5. His trouble ivas from the hand of God. It seemed to the Psalmist that all his distresses came to him from the hand of God. " Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit," &c. " Thou hast afflicted," (fee. "Thou hast put a way, "ikc. When faith is in lively exercise it is a relief in trouble to know that the trouble comes from God. Then the tried saint softly sings, " It is Thy hand, my God ; My sorrow comes from Thee: I bow beneath Thy chastening rod, Tis love that bruises me. My God, Thy name is love, A Father's hand is Thine ; With tearful eyes I look above, And cry, — Thy will be mine ! I know Thy will is right, Though it may seem severe ; Thy path is still unsullied light, Though dark it may appear." — Darhy. But not thi^s did the matter present itself to the mind of the Psalmist. That his troubles were from the hand of God seemed to him a sore aojfrrava- tion of those troubles. Evil from so good a hand appeared quite intolerable to him. So deep was his depression, that while feeling acutely the adversity, he could not perceive any of its " sweet uses." The bitterness of his draught he realised completely ; its medicinal pro- perties he entirely lost sight of. Every- thing seemed to aggravate his misery. G. J I IS trouble was an expression of the iorath of God. "Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast afflicted me with all Thy waves." So far was the Psalmist from regarding his dis- tresses as coming from the chastening hand of a Father, that he looked upon them as punishments from the hand of an angry God. Like a huge and in- supportable burden, God's Avrath was crushing him to the earth ; and as the breakers of the stormy ocean dash in thunder and fury upon the shore, so God in anger seemed to be afflicting the Psalmist. We have, indeed, a great depth of affliction here. The deep darkness of this picture of distress has nut often been equalled in the history of suffering humanity. Before leaving this part of our subject we shall do well to lay to heart two facts. (1) That the best of men in this life are exi^osed to severe sufferings and trials. Suffering is not necessarily a sign of the Divine dis- pleasure. " Whom the Lord loveth lie chasteneth," kc. (2) That the best oit'er through the faithfulness and mercy of God. " My faithfulness and my mercy shall be Avith liim, and in My name shall his horn be exalted." In the commencement of the Psalm the poet celebrated the mercy and faithfulness of God, and here he recurs again to them. They Avere clearly displayed in the covenant, and now that the covenant seems about to fail, the hope of the Psalmist and the people is in them. Mercy and faithful- ness were granted to David, and to his seed ; and though, by reason of their sin, the tomporal sovereignty passed away and the kingdom Avas destroyed, yet the line of David continued in un- 11 OMILETW COMM LW TAllY: P:urposes of an immu- table Being. In Himself He is un- changeable. Man varies, as life advances, and he grows in knowledge and wisdom and holiness; his views of things often change, and he may alter his plans or his methods of action. But it is not so with God. His purposes are eternal and immutable, and He, being immu- table, omnipotent, and omniscient, we may justly conclude that His covenant arrangements cannot be made void by man's sin. But let us ascertain the teaching of the text on this point. Hengstenberg's note on the 37th verse appears to us excellent, " The alleviat- im: limitation is here first friven in verse 33, as it is in the fundamental passage in verse 15. Tiie alleviation, however, is not to be misunderstood, as if it re- ferred to individuals contrary to tiic nature of the thing, and contrary to the liistory, according to which annihilating judgments did descend upon the rebel- lious members of the family of David ; but the opposition is of the punishment of sin in the individual, and of grace continually remaining to the faviih/. We must not fail to notice that in verse 33 it is not said : I will not withdraw My mercy from ihem^ the sinners, but from Jam, the family as such. Now that the kingdom has passed from the sinful to the holy seed of David, the direct application of this paragraph has ceased. The case provided for in the promise cannot again occur. Still there exists between Christ and His Church a case analogous to that between David and his seed. As David's family was chosen in him (Comp. 1 Kings xi. 3G ; 2 Kings viii. 19 ; Isa. xxxvii. 35), so that it always remained in possession of the favour of God, notwithstanding the fall and rejection of many of its indivi- dual members, in like manner the Church is chosen in Christ, and the sins of its members may hurt themselves but caimot injure it. Notwithstanding the fall of a whole ireneration, it alwavs flourishes again ; and under the most inexorable judgments which are not removed by the appearance of Christ, but rendered more severe, compassionate grace is always concealed." Individual members of David's family transgressed, and were visited with the rod, but the mercy was not removed from the familv. Indivi- dual Christians may fall into sin and forsake God and be visited with stripes, but " the new covenant " shall not fail ; the kingdom of Christ shall flourish and increase. Man's sin shall not fru>- trate God's purposes. " U,'' saith the Lord, " they profane My statutes, never- theless ;My covenant will I not profane." Two things more remain to be notic(.'d. 1. God is again represented as declaring tlie stability and perpetuity of the cove- nant. The sun and moon are stable, orderl}'. Generations of men come and go but they remain. Incessant and 23 PSALM LXXXiX. HOMILETIC COMMENTARY: PSALMS. sometimes great changes take place upon earth, but the ordinances of heaven remain unchanged, the sun and moon are the same. So they are used as symbols of the unchangeable and perma- nent. And so the covenant of God is immutable and eternal (See remarks on verses 1-4.) 2. The solemn declara- tion of the perjHtuity of the covenant. " One thing have I sworn by My holi- ness, that I will not lie unto David." God, as it were, pledges His' own holi- ness for the fulfilment of the word which He spake unto David. That attribute which seems most precious to Him He here stakes on the fulfilment of His promise to them. This one thing, that He will keep His word to His servant David, He thus solemnly asseverates, " He abideth faithful : He cannot deny Himself." Conclusion. — Our subject urges, 1. Confidence as to God's covenant. Neither the unfaithfulness and sin of man, nor the malice and rage of hell, can frustrate the glorious purposes of God. 2. Caution as to our conduct. " If his children forsake My law," &c. Though "you cannot break God's cove- nant you may violate your own interest therein." " Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." " Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Lamentation and Expostulation by Reason of the Apparent Failure of the Covenant of God. {Verses ?>^-bl.) Confident proclamation of the firm- ness of the covenant is here succeeded by bitter lamentation of its seeming failure, and upon the lamentation an earnest expostulation with God is founded. Consider, I. The lamentation. The general complaint of the Psalmist is that the covenant has failed. " Thou hast made void the covenant of Thy servant." In his complaint the Psalmist mentions several particulars in which it seemed to be failing, or to have already failed. Let us brieHy glance at them : — 1. The Icincf was dethroned. " Thou hast profaned his crown to the ground : . . . and cast his throne down to the ground." Complaints like these show that, if the king was not actually de- throned, his sovereignty was mutilated, liis throne tottering to its fall. The crown, which had always been regarded as sacred, the poet represents as having been treated as though it were an un- clean or despised thing to be contemp- tuously cast to the ground. And the kingdom had come, or was speedily and painfully coming, to a ruinous end. 2. Their defences were destroyed. "Thou hast broken down all his hedges: 24 ° ' Thou hast brought his strongholds tO' ruin." In the former clause the king and people are compared to a vineyard, the fences of which were thrown down, and which was open to the ravages of wild beasts and to the depredations of every intrusive passer-by. In the latter clause, they are compared to a city whose fortifications were destroyed. Tlje idea is, that they were left defenceless and helpless, and were completely power- less before their enemies. 3. I'hey were made the prey and reproach of their neigJibours. "All that pass by the way spoil him ; he is a reproach to his neighbours." By the "passers-by," the Psalmist probably meant "the nations of the Asiatic kinga who visited Judah in marching through against the king of Egypt;" and by "the 'neighbours,' the surroundincr nations who, on a former occasion, ap- proached David and Solomon with reverence and paid tribute (com p. 2 Sam. viii. 2 ; 1 Kings v. 1). Now . they despise the anointed of the Lord in his disgracefully degraded condition (comp. Psa. Ixxx. 6 ; Ixxxviii. 8)." 4. They were defeated in battle and their enemies exulted over them. " Thou hast set up the right hand of his ad- nOMILETia COMMENTARY: PSALMS. PSALM LXXXIX. versaries," tfcc, (vers. 42, 43.) Their sword seemed to have lost its ancient sharpness, as though its edge were turned. Their weapons failed them in the day of battle. And, which was much worse, their spirit failed them in the day of battle. They did " not stand in the battle." A courageous spirit will achieve victories even with a blunt sword; but a coward spirit Avill "not stand in the battle '' even though his weapons be of the finest. They had been driven before their enemies like craven-hearted weaklings ; while those enemies had by their victories over them increased and made firmer their own power, and exulted proudly in their triumphs. " O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their banks before their enemies « " 5. Their vigour and glory had ceased. "The days of his youth hast Tliou short- ened." Youth is the season of strength. Old age is marked by feebleness and decay. So the period of their pros- perity and power had been brought to an unexpected and early close. Premature old age had come upon them. Troubles, calamities, reverses, and, above all, their sins, had cut off their youthful successes and triumphs, and left them weak and decrepit. Their glory had ceased ; they were covered with shame. The glory of their sovereign was gone ; their splendour and might as a nation had passed away ; their circumstances and condition were such as put them to shame. If the Poet and the people contrasted their present state with their state under David, and yet more under Solomon, they must have bitterly felt the change, and may well have bitterly bewailed it. AVhat a dilFerence there was between the then and the now ! and all tt) the disadvantaire^of the now. C. TJiey attributed their sad condition entirely to their angry rejection hy God. " Thou hast cast oft" and abhorred, Thou hast been wroth Avitli Thine anointed." They attribute all their calamities to Ilim. He had wrouirht all their evils. In His anger He had rejected both the king and the people, as if they had been regarded by Him with contempt or loathin£c. Now, is this feature of the lamentation true and right ? It is true that their calamities came not without the permission of God. Ho had with- drawn His protection from them, or their enemies would have been power- less against them, and their own power and glory would have remained unim- paired. So far, at least, the Psalmist is right. But why did God withdraw His protection from them 1 Was it not be- cause they had " forsaken His law and walked not in His judgments, had jiro- faned His statutes, and kept not His commandments ? " Their calamities were the natural result of their crimes. They had sown the seed of sin, and were reaping a harvest of shame and suffering. Yet in their complaint there is no confession. They bewail their sufferings, not tlieir sins. Herein they were wrong. Their sins had landed them in their present miseries. And, in complaining to God, they should have humbly confessed and repented of their sins. As it is, there is too much reason for the remark : " The complainings of the saints are so exaggerated, that carnal feeling makes itself more apparent in them than faith." Is tliere not a lesson here for Christian believers and churches 1 Are there not churches to- day in a reduced, feeble, inglorious con- dition, which are bewailing their de- pressed state, as though it were entirely of the Lord's doimr? Let such churche.s search for the sins, of omission or com- mission, which is the root of their failure and misery. Let them put forth every accursed thing from amongst them, and God will invigorate them with power, enrich them with success, and crown them with honour; and if any Christian finds feebleness and failure coming upon him as an individual, let him not bhune God, but examine his own life, and renounce the secret sin or the questionable practice, or take up thn neglected duty, which has caused the spiritual loss and decline. XL The Expostulation. " How long, Lord ? wilt Tiiou hide Thyself for ever ? shall Thy wrath burn like fire?" ikc In his expostulation with God the Psalmist takes up several things a!id turns them into effective pleas. 25 PSALM LXXXTX. IIOMILETIC COMMENTARY : PSALMS. 1. The duration of their distresses. "How long, Lord V This verse teaches — (1) That their distresses were very great. The gracious presence of God was quite hidden from them. All was darkness ; and His wrath seemed to be consuming them. (2) Their distresses had long con- tinned. So long had God's countenance been hidden from them, that the Poet inquires if it is always to be so. It seemed as though their night would never be succeeded by morning ; their winter never pass into spring. (3) Their distresses threatened their utter extinction. It seemed to them as though God's wrath, like fire, would burn on until they were utterly consumed ; that their miseries would continue until their national existence was clean gone. But the main thought in the mind of the Poet in this verse seems to be the long duration of their distresses. For some time they had pressed heavily upon them. No sign of relief for them could they discover anywhere. 2. TJie hrevity of their life. " Re- member how short my time is." The brevity of life is frequently stated in the Sacred Scriptures. Human life upon earth is compared to a flower, to grass, to a shadow, to " a vapour which ap- peareth for a little time and then vanisheth away." The Psalmist here brings in the brevit}" of life as an argument for the speedy interposition of God. If the distresses were not speedily removed life itself would be gone. If the Divine mercy were to be manifested, it must be manifested speedily, or it would be too late for them. Must their brief life be all spent in misery "? We may surely derive a hint from the Psalmist here. If life be so brief, let us seek the favour of God at once. If life be so brief, let us discharge its duties as they arise. If life be so brief, let us improve its opportunities and privileges as they arise. 3. The vanity of their life. '' Where- fore hast Thou made all men in vain V The idea in the mind of the Psalmist seems to be, that if their distresses were continued their life itself would be vain. He seems to have had no clear idea of a blessed life beyond death. That was 20 not clearly revealed until our Lord Jesus Christ poured a flood of light upon it. And, in his present troubled mood, the Psalmist was not able to make the most of the light which he possessed upon the subject, and so the future appears dark and cheerless to him. In fact, he writes as if he knew no future ; as if all his hopes were bounded by the grave. So man seems to him to have been made in vain. Life seemed altogether shadowy, unreal, worthless. He urges this char- acteristic of life as a reason why God should grant them speedy relief. His plea seems to amount to this : Consider how worthless the life of man is, and relieve its darkness and vanity by sending us prosperity, and by sending it quickly. 4. The certainty of death. " What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death *? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave V " There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he j^ower in the day of death ; and there is no discharge in that war." Death is no respecter of persons or of characters. The rich and the poor, the distinguished and the unknown, the strong and the weak, the beautiful and the deformed, the wise and the foolish, the holy and the sinful, the useful and the baneful are alike swept away by death. The aro-ument of the Psalmist seems to be this : As all men, even the strongest, even the king himself, must die, deliver us speedily from the miseries which now oppress us, and grant us prosperity before we pass into dark Sheol. 5. The lovingldndness promised by God. "Lord, where are Thy former loving- kindnesses which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth?" The former lovingkindn esses are those which God had granted in earlier and prosperouB times, and which were regarded as pledges of future mercies. And God had promised to David a continuance of these mercies to his seed. The Psalmist asks God : Where are Thy promises ? Art Thou not the Un- changeable % Wilt Thou not make good that which Thou hast spoken 1 Thus may we in our distresses plead the former mercies and the promises of God, and we shall never plead them in vahi. nOMILETIC COMMENTARY : P^MMS. PSAI.M I/.vXMX. What God 1ms done, He will do atjaiiT. What He has promised, He will pertVuni. G. llie reproaches which fell iipon them. '' Rcnieinber, Lord, the reproach of Thy servants," «fcc. (vers. 50, 51). Their enemies mocked them because of their sore distresses ; and they pray God to end their distresses, and so remove their reproach. The Psalmist pleads powerfully in these two verses. They were His ^' servants ^^ who were re- proached, and they were reproached for trusting and serving Him ; and would He not roll back the re])roach from them? This reproacli was a great sorrow to the Psalmist, and to all who were concerned for the welfare of the people and the honour of God. The reproach of all the people, their troubles, their complaints, the scofis of their enemies, all pressed upon the heart of the Psalmist as a burden of deep grief. Should he feel these things so ■deeply, and would God be unmindful of them '? Would not God remove the reproaches, and so relieve the heart of His servant 1 The reproaches came from the ^^ enemies'' of God. They were not only foes and mockers of the covenant people, they were enemies of the covenant God, w^ould He not re- member and silence them ? They re- proached the " anointed " of God. "They have reproached the footsteps of Thine anointed." They, as it were, followed the king, and wherever he went and whatever he did they re- jDroached him. Would the Most High allow His enemies thus to deride the anointed king of His own people 1 Thus the Psalmist amidst the national dis- tresses, when the covenant seemed on the very eve of utter failure, pleads with God for His saving interposition. His pleading is not perf(3Ct. As we have already indicated, there is no recogni- tion of the fact that their distresses arose from their sins ; there is no con- fession of the gro.«s violation of the covenant on the part of the people. It was their sufferings and not their sins that they bewailed before God. Yet we may learn some useful lessons from the pleadings of the Psalmist. In present distresses we shall do well to plead (1) Our weahiess and the slioi-tness of our life. God is strong and merciful, and will help and pity us. (2) We should ta/ce eu- couragement from and plead God's former mercies. He is unchan "cable. Past deliverances are reasons for hope and confidence in j)resent distresses. (3) We should ^j/fr/J His faiflifuhiess. By relying upon His word we honour ilini. (4) We shoidd plead our relation to Him. We are His servants. His enemies are also ours. Will He not protect and save His own ? Conclusion. — 1. Learn the exceeding sinfidness of sin. It was sin that had profaned the crown to the ground, (fcc. Let sufFerinfic deter from sin. 2. Learn, not to judge by appearances. " Things are not what they seem." The covenant seemed to be utterly failing, yet God was all the time fultillinf; it, carrvintj it forward to deeper, diviner, more glorious Lssues than the people imagined when this Psalm was written. God's word cannot fail. His promises cannot be broken. He may fulfil them in ways unexpected by and strange to us ; but He will fulfil them gloriously. Christ and His seed shall be eternally blessed. '' His seed shall endure for ever, and His throne as the sun before Me." The Vanity of Man apart from his Immortality. {Verse 47.) I purpose to show that, considered short my time is." merely in this present state, apart from any reference to eternity and the pros- pect disclosed by revelation, man is made in vain. L The first thing that strikes us in such a survey of our being is the short- ness of its duration. " Ptemember how The transient nature of his existence stamjis an inex- pressible meanness on man, if we con- iine our view to the present life ; and forces us to confess that, laying aside the hope of immortality, " Every man at his best estate is altogether vanity." II, The same reflection must have Zi PSALM LXXXIX. HOMILETJC COMMENTARY : PSALMS. occurred to most persons of a tbouglit- ful character, 'vvlieii they have contem- plated the general state of that world in which we are phiced : the mischief and misery that pervade it; the disorder and desolation which the unruly pas- sions of men perpetually introduce ; the wantonness with which they rush to deeds of violence and injustice; the almost incessant national contentions, in Avhich the destruction of one part of the human race seems to become the busi- ness and sport of the other. . . . Viewed, therefore, merely as they are here, and ex- cluding the supposition of a future state, all men will appear to be made in vain. III. When we recollect how many thousands of our species are born the subjects of some inherent, incurable disease, or imperfection of body, such as may be said to render their life a pro- tracted malady, — when we call to mind how many are constitutionally the victims of dejected spirits and a morbid melancholy, such as cast a gloom over every surrounding object, and dim their perceptions to the fairest scenes of life and nature, we are compelled to ac- knowledge, of the multitude so circum- stanced, that — if we consider them merely as existing in that hypothetical state w^hich terminates with death — they also are made in vain. IV. When we take into the account those millions of mankind who are con- demned, through the whole of life, to manual and mechanical labours; whose day after day is consumed in a constant round of the same unvaried employment, . . . who that limits his view of man to this sublunary scene can forbear to sympathise with the despond- ing Psalmist in the text % In labours like these millions of beings are em- ployed, who are created with a mind capable of looking backward and for- ward with endless activity of thought, capable of comprehending truth and advancing in knowledge, ca[)able of enjoying a happiness commensurate with its own vast desires. The inheritors of such faculties are employed in labours in which the mind is altogether passive and dormant, nor is any exercise afforded to the reason or the affections 28 Without blaming the existing organiza- tion of society, I ask whether, if men are condemned to terminate their existence in these pursuits, and are not reserved for another and higher state of being, the great majority of mankind are not made in vain? V. But there are those, it may be said, who do not fall under this melan- choly representation ; men of wealth, whose circumstances seem to be formed by their will, and who appropriate what- ever they desire. Surely, you •C\'ill say, such " men of this world, have their portion in tliis life ;" surely an existence like theirs, even if we suppose it con- fined to earth, apart from any ulterior consideration, has a sufficient end in itself ; and, though their existence is short, they are exempt from a charge of having been made in vain. Now there is a delusion in this view ; and if we examine the advantages which men of wealth possess over others, we shall find that nearly all the pleasures peculiar to superfluous opulence are reducible to two classes ; the class of sensual gratifi- cations and that of ambitious dis- tinctions. 1. How little the g^^atifications of sense which the rich have at their com- mand, can be said to redeem their pos- sessors from the lot of a vain existence, will appear by the following considera- tions— (1) The pleasures of sense can never be proposed as an adequate end of our creation ; because, in pursuing them, we always regard them as subor- dinate to something of superior import- ance, our regard to which is allow^ed to be the just rule of sejisual indulgence. A wise man advises a proper abstinence from such pleasures for the sake of health ; a good man for the sake of virtue ; either of which is justly regarded as an object superior to that which it ouo-ht to re