Ps. cxix. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because
they keep not thy law.
THE generality, if exhorted to labour for the sal- vation of others, are ready to reply, " Am I my brother's keeper a?" But they who have truly the fear of God in their hearts will be anxious for the welfare of their fellow-creatures. This concern has at all times distinguished the saints of Godb: and it was eminently conspicuous in David. Repeatedly in this psalm does he declare his feelings on this subject0; and with peculiar energy in the words before us.
We propose to shew on what account we ought to weep for sinners —
I. On account of the blessings they lose —
There are many present blessings which men lose by not keeping God's law —
[There is a " peace that passeth understanding," and a "joy unspeakable," that attends the believing in Christ, and the devoting of ourselves to his service. The having all one's lusts in subjection must contribute not a little to serenity of mind ; but the enjoying of God's favour, and the light of his countenance, is a source of the richest happiness that mortals can possess on earth d."
But what peace is there to the wickede ? What can he know of the love of God shed abroad in his heart ? What comfort can he have in the prospect of death and judgment ?]
But the eternal blessings which they lose, exceed our highest conceptions —
[The obedient believer has " an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and never-fading f." There is a crown of right- eousness, and a throne of glory, reserved for him in heaven e : and he shall spend eternity itself in the immediate vision and fruition of his God.
But can we say this respecting the impenitent and unbe- lieving ? No : there is no admission for him into those bright abodes: "the unrighteous cannot inherit that kingdom11;"
a Gen. iv. 9. b Jer. ix. 1. c ver. 158. and 53.
d ver. 165. Prov. iii. 17. Isai. xxxii. 17. e Isai, lvii. 20, 21. f 1 Pet. i. 4. R 2 Tim. iv. 8. '' 1 Cor. vi. 9.