Yers. 1-8.-Quieting thoughts/or a time of trouble. It is a mark of man's greatness that he can go out of himself. Some commune with nature, some with the great minds of the past, some .with prophets and teachers of their own time. But the grandest thing is to commune with God. The evening is a fit time. Then we have rest; then we can retire from the stress and turmoil of the world, and in the secrecy of our hearts hold converse with God. Here we have some quieting thoughts for a time of trouble. I. THAT GoD RULES OVER ALL. God is love. His Law is holy and just and good. Then it must be well with all those who do his will. There may be clouds and darkness, there may be grievous trouble; but God reignetb, and his truth and mercy are spread out as wings, under which we can always find refuge. II. THAT rn FORMER STRAITS GoD HAS BROUGHT DELIVERANCE. (Ver. 1.) We can look back. It is sweet to remember God's loving-kindness. What he has done for us is not only a cause of thankfulness, but a ground of hope. His acts bind God as well as his promises. He does not change. Nothing can elude his eye; nothing can surprise bis wisdom or baffle his power. He will bring enlargement in distress, room, breathing space, ampler freedom, and a diviner a.ir. UL THAT GoD IS AS ENTREAT.ABLE AS EVER BY HIS PEOPLE. (Vers. 3, 4.) God does not tie his presence to pla.ce or ordinance. He regards character. There are times when he seems not to bear; but this is our infirmity. The throne of grace stands ever accessible. If we ask, we shall receive. We may be cast off and dishonoured by men; but God will never forsake those who trust in him. IV. 'l'HAT TRUST IN GoD WILL SURELY BRING PEACE. (Vers. 5, 6.) Things may grow worse. Afflictions may come, not as single spies, but in battalions. For a time the machinations of the wicked may seem tu prevail. But we know what the end must be. What can come from opposition to God but ruin? Reflection not only confirms our faith, but strengthens our attachment to God. The future of the wicked is dark ; but the future of the righteous is bright as the heavens shining with countless stars. Whatever happens, therefore, let us hold fast to God. 'l'he priestly benediction (Nnmb. vi. 20) finds an echo in the trusting heart. "Peace." V. 'l'HAT IN THE END GOD'S PEOPLE SHALL SURELY HA.VE JOY IN GoD. (Vers. 6-8.) He is the supreme good, true, satisfying, inalienable, the everlasting Portion of the soul. "0 thou bonnteous Giver of n.11 good, Thou art of all thy gifts thyself the crown ! Girn whe.t thou ea.net, without tbeo we aro poor, And with thee rich, take what thou wilt away." This psalm, as many others, ends with praise. Like the last strain of a cradle-song, its accents fall gently, lulling the child of God to rest. Luther, it is said, often sang himself to sleep with this psalm.-W. F. Y ers. 6-8.-Tliree great things. I. THE QUESTION OF QUEBTIONB. 'l'l.e feeling inJicatcd is common. Amid disappointments o.nd cares, evermore the cry is heard, "\\-bo will show us any good?" . ll. THE PRAYER OF PRAYERS. Somewhere there must be help. Gam, pleasure, worldly honours, and such-like, give no satisfaction. But when we turn to God we find all we need. He is gracious and merciful, Light and joy and peace beam from liis countenance. Here we have the gospel preached beforehand, re. 1v. 1-B.J THE BOOK 01<' PSALMS. 29
III, THE JOY OF JOYS. The "joy or harvest" is proverbial. Here we have more, infinitely more. Not only rest from fear, and recompense for Jabour, and provision for the future; but this in the highest sense, ~piritually and eternally-the Giver as well ae the gift.-W, F.
Vers. 1-5.-A cry for deliverance. This psalm refers (according to some) to the samo event as tho previous psalm-that composed probably in the morning, and this in the evening, of the same day, We have in it- I. A CRY FOB DELIVERANCE FROM THE UNRIGHTEOUS PLOTS OF HIS ENEMIES, Tbo appeal is based upon two facts. 1. His relation and fellowship with the righteous God. Thou art my God, ~nd the God of my righteous cause, and therefore thou wilt not leave me to the wicked designs of my enemies. 2. llis experience in former straits and troubles. '' Thou didst set me at liberty when I was in trouble." What thou hast done once thou wilt do again, because thou art unchangeable. II. THE BIN OF HIS E:S-EMIES. 1. They attempt to in}ure his personal and kingly honour (his glory). By false and evil reports, so as to promote his overthrow and downfall, Character and office are the two most precious things that a man has to lose. 2. They had set their hearts upon an enterprise destined to fail. In love with vanity, they were in love with a vain, hollow appearance, such as this rebellious world turns out to be. Such is the nature of all unjust and sinful undertakings. 3. It was an attempt to overthrow one of God's appointments. (Ver. 3.) A.n attempt to set aside one of the Divine decrees_; therefore-like trying to upset a Divine law-utterly vain aud futile. III. A.N ADMONITION TO REPENTANCE. Not a cry for vengeance. The way of repentance is here pointed out. 1. The thought of God was to fill them with an awe of their sin. If they blasphemed God's anointed, they were to stand in awe of God. 2. They were to examine the thoughts of their hearts in solitude. On their bed, in tho darkness or the night, and in the privacy of their chamber. '' Shut to thy door," etc. 3. They were to offer sincere and truthful "sacrifice," or service to God. Like Zacchaius, "The half of my goods," etc. Good works are the best evidence of repentance. 4. They were to trust in the righteous God, and not in their unrighteous aims and ob}ects. We become like the persons or things we trust in.-S.