The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 1 — Section 230

III. INCREASING USEFULNESS. We are placed in such relationship to others that we cannot but influence them one way or another. Whether this influence be for good or for evil will mainly depend upon our character. God prepares his servants for the place and work he has for them to do. When the time comes, they find that difficulties give way-that "a large and effectual door " has been opened to them. But to every one, however humble, there is opportunity given of doing good and of being helpful to others. Never a day dawns but it brings its own duties. Woe tons if, like Dives, we fail to recognize the claims of the poor and needy I They who arc at our gate to-day, so that we can do them good if we will, may be to-morrow in "Abraham's bosom," and our opportunity gone for ever. IV. HIGHER HONOURS. It hae been said of the government of Napoleon that it was remarkable for opening a career to talent. In old France, society was so constituted that it was only the highborn and the rich, the classes and not the masses, that had any chance. Under Napoleon all this was changed. Not only coulcl a man hope to rise by bis merits, but he also knew that he served a master who would rigidly exact what was required in the way of duty, and reward only according to work done. Besides, he knew that what his master demanded of others he made a law to himself. Consequently, never did a sovereign inspire a greater enthusiasm of devotion. At the side of every soldier, from the highest to the lowest, seemed to stand the form of tlio emperor, ready to mark, ready to exact; but, above all, setting the example of his own immtnse activity, and stimulating all to do their part worthily in the great work in which tbry were cngflged. If this was in a measure truo of Napoleon and bis soldier~, it is true in a far higher and nobler way of Christ and his soldiers. 'l'ake. an example in :Matthew. See what be was before Christ found him. See what be became when Christ called him away from bis "scat at the receipt of custom," and all bis selfish, narrow, degrading ways, and placed him in the "large room," whore be had not only the noblest society and the means of living the purest life, but where there was opened up to !,im ever more increasing opportunities of usefulness and honour. It is ~aid that in his first love and joy he "made a great feast" to his friends; and this was Lut an unconscious prophecy of the "great feast'' which be bas spread for all people iu bis glorious Gospel. But Levi was but a sample. "Such honour have all the Baints."-\V. F. Vers. 1-8.-A prayer for grace in trouble. Authorship uncertain. Some give it to David, in Ziklag; others to JereQiaL. Three divisions. (1) He prays God to be gracious to him in his trouble, expressing at the same time his confidence in him, ~s if the prayer bad been already fulfilled (vers. 1-8); (2) be pours out tho story of ~1~ su!Tcrings and sorrows, and repeating his prayer (vcrs. 9-18); (3) he concludes with praise and thanksgiving (vers. 19-24). I. 'l'HE PBALMIST'B PRAYER. The trouble that oppressed him had been of Ion~ duration, as appears from the tenth verse. 1. lle prays fol' deliverance from liis I'S. XXXI. 1-24.) THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 235