God deserves the nRme of B !tock, (1) They Bro limited in their worth; he, unbonn,lc<l One or nnother of tLem mny be B refuge against some dangers; he, against all. They may not ho at hand in the time of most pressing: need; he is always near. (2) They are feeblo nnrl unstBble; he, strong and firm. (3) They are transient; he, everlasting. (4) 'l'hoy are dependent; he, their independent Source. All their fitncBB and ability to aid us is from him; so that, when they are of service to us, it is he that is showing himself -to ho our Ilock. Then: 1. .Ac,:ept thankfully the good they can do; but trust in the Lord alone with nbsoluto anrl unwn.vcring confluence. 2. Beware rif resorting to God's gifts as a, refuge from himself. From the thought of him; from the reproaches of a guilty conscience; from the penalties of his Law 3. If you reject or negle,et God for others, bethink you what l,elp they can give you when he ezecutes his ;"udgments upon you. (J udg. x. 14; Jer. ii. 28.)-G. W. Ver. 33.-Divine pr_otectionand guidance. The experience of David, e.nd the purpose of the psalm, naturally lead to repetition of declarations and images descriptive of the protection and guidance which had been vouchsafed to him, They are not unsuitable to record the convictions and feelings of every good man as he reviews the past and anticipates the future. This verse in the Revised Version reads, "God is my strong Fortress, and he guideth the perfect in his way." I. Gon IS oua STRONG FonTRESS. A fortress is a protection against enemies. 1. We have powerful foes, Tpe world and the flesh, the devil and his angels, assault us con- tinuaUy, and would destroy, not only our peace, but our souls. They are too strong and numerous for our power and skill; and no creature-power ie sufficient for our defence. 2. God is our Almighty Protector. Tbe Fortress into which we can flee, and where we are safe; which no enemy can scale or breach. His presence surrounds us; his power d_efends us. Yea, he iii in our hearts to strengthen and protect us. Every- where, and under all circumstances, we can resort to this Refuge, and defy our foes. We should therefore be ready to go anywhere and do anything at God's command. H11 may lead us where temptations are numerous and powerful; bat obeying and trust- ing him, we are secure. II. Gon IS OUR ALL-WISE GUIDE. The reading and translation preferred by the Revisers gives a good sense, harmonizing with many statements of Holy Writ. "He guideth the perfect in his way," or, perhaps, "his [God's] way." The man who is" per- fect" in the sense of "upright," sincere, true, righteous, whole-hearted, may be assured of Divine guidance; while the insincere, hypocritical, double-minded, shall be left to go astray. In the margin of the Revised Version, however, another readuig and rendering are given, viz. "guideth my way in perfectness," which appears to be substantially in agreement with the Authorized Version, "ma.keth my way perfect." 1. God leads his people in their way. B.v his providence, Word, Spirit. In respect to the affairs of this life, and those of the soul and eternity. He guides them into the position he has chosen for them, and to and in the work he appoints for them. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord " (Ps. xxxvii. 23). 2. His lead is perfect. Such was the conclusion of the psalmist in reference to his own way. He could see that all had been ordered aright for the accomplishment of the Divine purposes respecting him. Such will be the conclusion of all God's servants at the last; and their faith in God will enable them to cherish this conviction now, notwithstanding all the perplexities in which they may be involved. The way in which they may be led may not be always pleasant; but it is: (1) The best way. The way of holiness; the way i_n which they can gain most real good, serve and honour God most, be ~ost Ulleful, att~m ult(mately t_he greatest glory nnd felicity. (2) The safe way. Sometimes a way which a.voids enemies and perils; in other cases a way throu"h the midst of them, which God makes safe by his protection. (3) The wai that ends in ~tcrnal glory and blessedness. It is "the way oflife which goeth upward" (Prov. xv. 24, Ilevisc<l Version). "The end" is" everlasting life" (Rom. vi. 22), It may he nsked how it comes to pass that those who have God for their Guide nevertheless mako such grievous mistakes, and fall into so much trouble. (1) 'l'he troubles which spring from want of worldly wisdom, as well as those which arise from circumstances are under Divine auidance. It is the will of God that his people 11hould suffer, nnd his benevolent pur~se is often made manifest in the spiritual profit 504 THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL. [c11. :xxn. 1-61.
and greater usefnlnese of the sufferers. (2). Even good men do not fully seek and follow the gmdance of God. They too frequently choose their own way, and thus fall into mischief. But God, in hie goodness, does not therefore forsake them. He leads those who are true e.t heart out of the evils into which they have brought themselves turns their very sins Rnd follies to account in training them for further service, and 'bring■ them safe home at IBSt. The lessons are: 1. Be thrrnkful for such a Guide. 2. Ses to it that you ever honestly seek and submit to his guidance. By the study of his Word and providence and by earnest prayer, inquire whR.t is the way in which he would have you go• a~d when you see it, walk in it.-G. W. ' '