must be for peace. For the preservation of it we should account no sacrifice too great : and we sliould be as studious to promote it amongst others, as to preserve it with ourselves. If we see an unkind spirit prevailing any where, we should endeavour to extinguish the fire, and not, by countenancing it, add fuel to the flame. The evil of contention is so great, that no one who possesses heavenly wisdom will engage in it him- self, or encohrage it in others''. If we fear the Lord indeed, our constant labour will be to " keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."]
Whilst explaining thus wherein the fear of the Lord consists, the Psalmist points out,
II. The importance of cultivating it in our own hearts — As for those who had no concern about their souls, he did not expect them to hearken to such self-denying lessons as he endeavoured to inculcate : but to those who desired true happiness in this world and the next, he gave the advice which we have already considered". To enforce his advice, he assured them of,
1. God's favour to them that fear him —
[" The eyes of the Lord," says he, "are upon the righteous, and his ear is open to their cry." Not a moment are they out of his sight, nor for a moment is he inattentive to their prayers. Are they in danger? He will protect them, and cause his angel to encamp around them, that no enemy may approach
to hurt them** Are they in want? He will supply them
with all that is needful for them. " The lions that could prey upon them shall want and suflTer hunger ; but they shall want no manner of thing that is good," for body or for soul, for time
or for eternity ^ Are they in trouble ? He wiU assuredly
in due time interpose to deliver them. They may have many troubles : but he will deliver them from all, the very instant they have accomplished their destined office^. He sends the trials to purify them from their dross : and he sits by the fui'- nace, ready to bring them out, in the proper season, "purified as gold." Are they longing for his presence here, and his glory hereafter? He will " be nigh unto their souls" in this world, and will save them in the Lord Jesus Christ with an everlasting salvation in the world to come^. In a word, there shall be an infinite distance between them and others: for they shall enjoy
b Jam. iii. 13 — 18. ^ ver. 12. ^ ver. 7.
e ver. 9, 10. ^ ver. 17, 19. 6 ver. 18.