Ps. XXV. 12, 13. JFhat man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose : his soul shall dwell at ease.
WHERE, as in the psalm before us, different verses begin with the different letters of the Hebrew alphabet, we must not look for a very strict connexion between the different parts ; if there be somewhat of an harmonious sentiment pervading the whole, it is as much as we have reason to expect. The general idea that pervades this psalm seems to be, that if (whether under the pressure of guilt or of affliction of any kind) we betake ourselves to God in prayer, and cast our care on him, he will administer to us such consolation and support as our necessities may require. In conformity with this idea, he, throughout
the former part of the psahii, supphcates mercy for himself, and, in the words before us, declares the blessedness of all who truly fear God.
To bring the subject more fully before you, I shall, I. Inquire after the character that is here described —
Where shall we find him ? One would suppose that, in a Christian community at least, it should be difficult to find one who did not fear God : but, strange as it may appear, the character here de- scribed is by no means common. I am anxious, however, to find one ; because it is to him, and to him only, that the glorious promises in my text are addressed. Assist me, then, every one of you, in this important inquiry ; and descend into your own bosoms, to explore the records of conscience, and to see whether you can, in your own persons, present before me the character I am endeavouring to find. I want to know " What man amongst you feareth the Lord?"
1. Who is there amongst you that reverences God's authority ?
[Tliere can be no question whether God's authority should be revered : for we all acknowledge him to be the Governor of the Universe, and confess that all his creatures owe submis- sion to his will. Indeed it is the common sentiment of all, that " he is greatly to be feared, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him:" and it is obvious, that any man who disregards his authority can have no true fear of him in his heart.]
2. Who is thex^ amongst you that dreads his dis- pleasure ?
[We all are sinners, and, as sinners, are obnoxious to the displeasure of the Most High. Whether our lives have been more or less moral, we are all transgressors of God's holy law, and all have merited his wrathful indignation : all, therefore, ought, with deep humihty of mind, to deprecate his impending judgments. Had we never sinned, we should never have needed this kind of fear : but to fallen creatures it is absolutely and indispensably necessary. Let me then ask, Who is there amongst you that mourns over his past transgressions, and implores mercy at the hands of his offended God, and seeks reconciliation with him through the Son of his love? I do not ask, Where is the person who, on some particular