much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned his own experience to a use as wise 1111 that which he here urges upon others.1 But David's pen might be golden though sometimes his spirit was leaden; and we may study with great advanta"e th~ ideal of life which he sets before us, learning from bis experience how we may ;ealizo that ideal, even though, in such II dimly lighted and corrupt arre as his, he fell beneath it. \Ve, who have far more than David's privileges, ought to ~ise to a level far beyond that to which he attained. Let us first note the experience here recorded, and then see how varied are the uses to be made thereof. I. HEnE IS A TOUCHING RECORD OF LIFE'S EXPERIENCE. In many respects it is such a one as thousands on thousands of God's people may have p~ssed through, and may be passing through now. If we number the points of experience one by one, the preacher may expand such as may be most appropriate to any case or cases with which he may be dealing. Here is: 1. A first line of experience-man wanting help from. God. (1) Trouble. (Ver. 6.) A geueral term, yet conveying often the idea of strait- ness, narrowness, and perplexity. This may arise from bodily weakness, domestic trouble, personal bereavement, or any other of those manifold causes of anxiety to which we are liable. (2) Fear. (Ver. 4.) The dread of the future is often a heavier care than the distress of the present. How often would it be a great relief if we could see the forthcoming issue of things I But this cannot be. Hence fears arise, and we are temptt:d to say, "I shall one day perish." (3) Looking up. (Ver. 5.) We may, we can, look up above our weakness and helplessness to One who is a" Stronghold in the day of trouble" (Pss. lxi. 2; cxxi. 1). Note: It is a part of the high and holy education of the saints that trouble teaches them to look up; and thus their whole natures become elevated, as they feel and know that they belong to a higber world than this. (4) Crying. (Ver, 6; see Ps. xviii. 6.) In our darkest hours we know to whom we speak (Ps. lxii. 1). However dark the night and lonely the path, the child cannot he.Ip crying, "Father I" even when he cannot see him. (5) Seeking. (Ver. 4.) '!'his is a prolongation of the cry, It indicates the attitude of tho soul, continuously directed towards the great Friend and Helper. (6) All this is in common with others. (Ver. 5.) "They looked," etc. Not one alone, but millions, are at each moment looking up trustingly and hopefully, away from life's cares and sorrows, to him who ruleth over all. Hence we need not wonder at: 2. A second line of experience-God gl"anting the help that is implored. As there are six stages along the first, so are there six features of the second. (1) The prayer is heard. (Vers. 4, 6.) Here is a grand field for exploration-the Divine answers to prayer. 'l'o enumerate these would require volumes. 'l'he saint may well store them up in his memory for the encouragement of troubled ones afterwards. If we did but "give others the sunshine," and "tell Jesus the rest," how rich would be the tokens of mercy with which we should rise from our knees I (2) Angelic ministry is granted. (Ver, 7.2) The existence and ministry of angels are clearly revealed in the Word of God. Abraham; Jacob; Elijah; Daniel (Hob. i. 14; Ps. Ix viii. 17). 'l'he phrase, "delivereth them" is equivalent to "sets them free." (3) Supplies are sent. (Vera. 9, 10.) It is one o the testimonie ost fre uentl i to those who visit God's eo le in frou e at s t to om exact: e iverance is sent do;_ tv"ers. , . o , in rou e, ma ·es an s ows a way of escape." The dart has been turned aside just as it has seemed to be on the point of striking. (5) The face has been brightened, (Ver. 5.) The anxious look departs when help comes; a lightened heart makes a brightened face. (G) Consequently, it is proved that those who wait on God will not be put to shame. ( Ver. 5, Revised Version. 3) No I it cannot be. The covenant of God's promise is "ordered in all things, and sure." Not from one alone, but from a great multitude which no mau can number, will the testimony come. "Not one thiug hath failed of all that the Lord hath spoken.'' "Thus saith tho Lord, They shall not be ashamed that wait for me."
1 See Mr. Fausset's remarks on this psalm, and Dr. Maclaren's reference to its historio ori!rin. See Kirkpatrick's introduction . .° u • The angel' (in tile singular), not simply• angols,' suggests tile a.ugol of the covcuu.ut '' (Dr. Green). , See Hengsteubcrg and Perowne hcreo11. 260 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [rs. xxnv. 1-22,