'which his character and dee.lings assnme toward them' is determined by their own character RDd conduct, am! is the necessary manifestation of his unchangeable recti- tude-on the one ha.nd, towa.rd the "loving," etc., full of love (a.II that is kind, desir- able, ond excellent); on the other, toward the " perverse," perverse (contrary, an tagon i~tic, "as an enemy," Lam. ii. 6; Lev. xxvi. 23, 24; Hos. ii. 6), inflicting severe chastise- ment. "There is a higher Jaw of grace, whereby the sinfulnesM of man but draws fortl the tenderness of B father's pardoning pity; and the brightest revelation of his love is m11de to froward prodigals. But this is not the psalmist's view here, nor does it interfere with the low of retribution in its own sphere" (Maclaren). 3. The signal change which· he makes in their relative positions; saving and exalting the oppressed e.nd afflicted, and humbling the proud oppressor; his purpose therein h<,ing to vindicate, honour, and promote righteousness, and to restrain, correct, and put an en<l to iniquity (1 Sam. ii. 8, 10). ",What fa God doing now?" it was asked of Rabbi Jose, and the reply was, 11 He makes ladders on which he causes the poor to ascmd and the rich to descend" (The Midrash).-D. : Ver. 81 (Pa. xviii. 30).-God's way, Word, and defence. "I can 01/'ercome a.II oppo- sition in and with my God " (ver. 30); for: 1. His way is perfect. His providential dealings, especially in leadiog his Rervant forward in the conflict. Although ofttimes mysterious and different from what might have beea expected, it is marked by perfect rectitude, perfect wisdom, perfect love; and is exactly adapted to effect his holy and beneficent purposes (Job xxiii. 8-10; Ps. lxxvii. 19; xcvii. 2). 2. His Word is tried (purified as silver and' gold, without dross, and very precious). It is the chief means of preparation, instruction and help; "the sword of the Spirit." Its <leclarations are true, its·directions good, its promises faithful (Prov. xxx. 5; Ps. xii. 6, 7). The more it is tested, whether hy friends or foes, by examination or experience, the more it proves itself to be indeed the Word of God, and of unspeakable worth. 11 There is none like that; give it me" (1 Sam. xxi. 9). 8. His defence i., sure; himself effectuating his Word, and being "a Shield to all that trust in him," affording certain, constant, and complete '.protection. Faith is the bond of union between men and God, the "taking hold of his strength," a. necessary means of defence, and hence often called a shield (Eph. vi:. 16; Heh. x. 85); but it is God himself who is such in the highest sense (Jer. Ii. 20; Deut. xxxiii. 29; Ps. v. 12). He is God alone (ver. 82); the absolute, incomparable, perfect One; worthy to be trusted and praised (ver. 4).-D. ' • Ver. 88.-God is my Strength. "The God who girdeth me with strength" (Ps. xviii. 82). Physical strength is derived from God. Much more is spiritual. It is obtained through faith. And every believer may say, " His strength is mine." There- by: 1. I live-live unto God, "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" ('l'itus ii. 12; Hab. ii. 4; Gal. ii. 20). 2. 1 stand-stand fast in temptation, attack, danger (Rom. xiv. 4; 2 Cor. i. 24; Phil. iv. 1). 8. I walk~walk forward, in the way of the Lord, surely, swiftly (ver. 84), perseveringly (2 Cor. v. 7; Isa. xl. 31). 4. I labour -labour with and for God, zealously, patiently, and not in vaia (Isa. xxvi. 12; 1 Cor. xv. 58). 6. I endure--endure "hardness," afflictions, reproaches, yea, all things, sup- ported and "strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man" (2 'l'im. ii. 8; Heh. xi. 27 ; Ps. oxxxviii. 8). 6. I fight-fight "the good fight of faith," against his enemies, courageously and effectually (ver. 85). 7. I ouercome-overcome in life and death (1 Cor." xv. 67).-D. Ver. 86.-True greatness. "Thy answering hath made me great." Ps. xviii. 35, "Thy gentleness" (humility, meekness, condescending grace). True greatness con- sists not in external prosperity, nor in s~lendid achievements, but in moral and spiritual excellence. "The good alone are great. Notice- I. 1TB OO?l"DITIONS, on the part of man. 1. Conscious weakness, the sense of utter helplessness in himself (1 Sam. xxi.:. 1-10; John xv. 6; 2 Cor. xii. 10; Heh. xi. 34). 2. Believing/rayer (ver. 7).' "By showing us our own nothingness, humility forces us to depen •upon God; and the expression of that dependence is prayerfulness." 8. Arder.t aspiration, "When sea-water rises into the clouds it loses its saltness and becomes fresh; so the soul when lifted up to God• (TWDil proverb). 652 '!'HE SECOND BOOK OF Sill:Uit,. [on. nn. 1-&l.
II. 1TB BESTOWKENT; by" that practioal hearkening on the part of God when called upon for help, which was manifested in the fact that God made his steps broad" (Keil). 1. In wonderful condesoension (Ps. cxx xviii. 6). 2. By manifold methods; preserving instructing, strengthening, exalting those who trust in him. 3. With considerat~ adaptation to their nature and capacitie.~. "The great God and Father, intent on making his children great, follows them and _plies them with the gracious Indirections of a faithful and patient love" (Bushnell,' Christ and his Salvation'), "Like as a father," etc. (Ps. ciii. 13). Ill. ITS 1111...U,"IFESTATION. As the effect or sunshine and rain, received and appro- priated by a pl~t, appears in its abounding ctrength, beauty, and fruitfulness, 110 the effect of Divine grace appears in enlargement and elevation of mind, sincere and fervent love to God, a set purpose to do his will, eminence in" love, joy, peace, gentleness," etc. (Gal. v. 22), maturity of cbaract.er (Hos. xiv. 6-7), holy and beneficent activit,y, growing conformity to the perfect Patt.em of true greatness (Matt. :u:. 26-27). "Have the mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus n (Phil ii. 5).-D.