Ps. cxix. is the most conspicuous instance of this. In the psalm boforo us the alphabet is not complete. An interesting and instructive study is to reproduce in English this same structure, being careful not to alter the sense. It has often been done. The psalm opens with a summons to all to praise the Lord, and declares the psalmist's purpose to do so himself, both amongst those who sympathizecl. with him-" the assembly ofihe upright "-and amongst those, many of whom did not-" the congre- gation." It is ensy to praise the Lord amongst people who arc all of the same mind as ourselves, but not so easy where there is indifference or hostility. But the psalmist declares that amid both he will prniso the Lord. Aud the inspiration of his praise is the works of the Lord. He makes six affirmations concerning them. I. THEY ARE GREAT. (Ver. 2.) There can be no question as to this, whatever true test of greatness we adopt-motives, methods, spirit, results. Especia.lly is this true of God'8 chief work in the redemption of man by our Lord Jesus Christ. But it is true everywhere, in nature, providence, grace. The question for us to consider is-Are they great to us? Too many men despise them, "make light of it." u "SOUGHT OUT OF ALL THEM THAT HAVE PLEASURE THEREIN," Those who have pleasure in any study are the first to welcome any fresh light on their particular department of inquiry. And so in regard to the work of God in our own souls; if we know that work truly, then the study of like work of God will ever be pleasing to us. If we do not care for such study, it is an argument to prove not only that we have no pleasure, but also no part therein. Thus may we test ourselves. III. "HoNOUB.A.DLE AND GLORIOUS," (Ver. 3.) This is how God's works may ever be recognucd. What is otherwise is not his work. It is as the psalmist here affirms, both in regard to God and man, in regard to righteousness and mercy alike. The motive from which it sprang, the manner in which it was accomplished, and the result that follows, all deserve the praise here given. IV. THEY ARE TREASURED UP IN MEMORY. (Yer. 4.) 1. This is so in regard to his work of mercy. Probably some great manifestation of God's grace led to this psalm. But especially God's great work of mercy in Christ-that is remembered and told of everywhere. 2. .And so in regard to his fudgment-worlc. Such as the Flood, the overthrow of Pharaoh at the Red Sea, the fall of Jerusalem, and other such awful displays of God's judgment. Because the Lord is gracious and full of compassion, he makes them to be remembered;that so we may not bring like judgment on ourselves. 3. His work of grace. If that has been done in our soul, we can never forget it. V. THE POWER OF THEM BE IIATB SHOWED TO HIS PEOPLE. (Ver. 6.) The Divine power, that they may have strong confidence in God, and go courageously forward to possess the heritage of the heatheu. VI. THEY ARE WORKS OF VERITY AND JUDGMENT, There is no crooked, insincere policy about them, no lack of righteousness or equity. Let our works be as his. -S.C. Ver.5.-Meat given to them that/ear the Lord. I. LITEnALLY, THE DECLARATION OF TIIE TEXT Is TRUE. Each harvest as it comes round, the daily supply of needed food, all_are in evidence to support the declaration. Three facts are noted concerning this. 1. It is the Lord who is the Giver. To speak as so many do about nature and law, as if they were the producers of our food, is merely an evasion, and a not always creditable one, of the real truth. 2. The gift i5 the special mark of tlte Divine favour to his people. At once the reply arises-But are not the wicked fed as well as, nnd often better than, the good? Yes, this is so; but as Sodom would have been spared had there been found ten righteous men in her, so the world of the godless is spared and fed for the sake of the people of God, the salt of the earth. Without these, wherefore should God keep the world going? Therefore, though the un~odly do share, and more than share, these Divine supplies, they do not ta~e them as g1f~s from God at all; still less do they believe what iR the truth, that it 1s not for their sake, but for the sake of "them that fear him," God vouchsafes these supplies. "All thin as are yours," said St. Paul to the believing people of God; and his word but ecbo:R +.he truth before us now. 3. They are proofs of God's faithfulness and truth. He never fails to do his part, though at times, by _the ~ruelty and rni~mana~ei:n~nt of men, the portk•n of meat designed for some of his ch1ldrcn gets terribly d1m1mshed, PB, OXl, 1-10.) THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 39
nnu. even intercepted altogether. But it is the duty of them that fear God to do their best to bring such wrong to an end. •• II. SPinrTUALLY ALSO IT 1s TRUE. We are authorized by our Lord to take the food of the body as symbol of the food of the soul; and so read, the text is still true, and, indeed, more so than read literally. 1. Ohrist is that living Bread. (John vi.) A11d as bread is that one food which all partake of because it ministers to the physical needs of all; so Christ, the Bread of lire, meets the deeper spiritual needs of all, of every age, clime, rank, character, condition. 2. And hl!w freely and abundantly it is given, and how indispensable is it likewise! 3. But as the bread for the body, so this Bread of life must be eaten, not merely talked about, if it is to do us any good. We must receive Christ into our hearts by a true faith, and we must do this day by day continually. If we do this we shall know how tme the text is.-S. C.