true Israel" are " a people nigh unto God." It is their delight to draw nigh to God at all times, to make known to him their requests on all occasions, and to walk continually in the light of his countenance. He, on the other hand, like a tender parent, condescends to hear and answer their petitions, and reveals himself to them as he does not unto the world. Thus, while others perform prayer as a mere service which they would think it criminal to neglect, they account it their highest privilege to say, " Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ."]
3. He makes all things to work together for their
good —
[Many dark and afflictive dispensations do they meet with ; but not one more than shall issue in their good. Under the pres- sure of their trials they may be ready to say, " All these things are against me : " but they shall at last see reason to confess, that " it is good for them that they have been afflicted." God has expressly promised, that " all things should work together for their good ; " and he sooner or later fulfils the promise, to every one that loves him, and that trusts in him. The perse- cutions of men and the temptations of Satan shall ultimately conduce to this end: " The wrath of men and devils shall praise him ; and the remainder of it," which would counteract his designs, " he will restrain."]
4. He has prepared for them a glorious and ever- lasting inheritance —
[To others he generallysgives a greater measure of earthly wealth: but " for these he has prepared a city;" being " not ashamed to be called their God." The very hope and prospect of that far outweighs all earthly possessions ; What then must the actual enjoyment of it be ! With what emphasis do those in heaven say, "Truly God is good to Israel!" Well does David exclaim, " O how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear theee!" But we must wait till we come to heaven, before we can form any adequate idea of this glorious subject.]
Address —
1. Those who are ignorant of God — [You are ready to think of God only as a harsh Master, and a severe Judge : but if you knew him aright, you would cry out, with the prophet, " How great is his goodness ! how great is his beauty!" The fact is, that while your heart is so corrupt, you cannot form any correct judgment concerning God: your eyes are jaundiced, and you behold all his perfections, yea, and his dispensations too, under false colours : " the light
e Ps. xxxi. 19.
624.] sinners' prosperity not enviable. 5
shines ; but your darkness doth not comprehend it." If you would know him as he is, pray that he would " create in you a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within you." Then shall you be disposed to admire the justice and holiness which you now hate, and, instead of denying his distinguishing grace, you will seek to obtain an interest in itf.]
2. Those who are tempted to think hardly of God —
[This had been the state of the Psalmist's mind, just before he penned this psalm : and it was on finding his error, that he abruptly exclaimed, " Truly God is good," notwithstanding all I have been tempted to think to the contrary. The same temptations are common with us : and when we see the un- godly triumphing and the righteous afflicted, we are ready to say, " I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency." But go into the sanctuary, as David did, and then you will learn the different ends of the righteous and the wicked. Take eternity into your estimate, and the delusion will vanish ; and you will see, that no state in which an ungodly man can possibly be, is any more to be compared with yours, than the twinkling of a taper is with the light and splendour of the meridian sun.]