The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 1 — Section 389

are not only obstacles without) but there is the fearful obstacle within of II sinful heart. III. TRUER REALIZATION OF THE GREATNESS OF THE WORK OF RESTORATION, Experience is the best teacher. It is better to ju,ige from fact than from theory. Such. as have thcmsel ves been "restored" are the fittest to speak of restoration. They know that the work is possible, though hard, for they themscl,·cs have experienced it. Like John Newton, the minister may take heart in time of <lespondency: "God has converted me, therefore I can never doubt of his power to convert the greatest sinner,n This was Paul's argument (1 Tim. i. 15, 16). IV. 'l'HE KECESSITY OF KEW AND TJIOnOUGlI co:-:s~:CUATION. Looking to the past, there is much to humble us. Looking to God, there is everything to encourage us. We need to give ourselves anew to Christ. Opportunities are precious. To save ourselves from "bloodguiltiness," we must pray more and watch more. 'l'he nearer we live to God, the more interested we shall be in God's work. V. INCREASED DI::LIGHT IN CARRYING THE :MESSA<m OF PEACE TO RINNEBS. What we prize ourselves we commend to others. The peace we enjoy we would h.ive others enjoy also. The freedom and the bright hopes that cheer our path we would gl<i.dly impart to others. When pressed with the burden or our own sins, we are under restraint; but when freed from guilt and fear, we can plead for God with holrlness. VI. CONFIDENCE IN Gon's LOVE AND POWER AS A SA.vrouR. Our highest ambition is to "convert" sinners, not to a Creed, or a party, or a Church, but to Go<l. "'l'o thee." But this is God's work. He only is able to make the Word effectual onto salvation, Having the witness in our own hearts of his saving might, we speak with all boldness, "The Juve of Christ constraineth us." VIL BmGHTEB HOPES OF THE FUTURE. There is a good time coming. 'l'he hope of this springs immortal in the hearts or the redeemed. \Vhen we are low, we take low views of things. If it be a dark time with onrselves, we are apt to despond as to the work of God in others. But when we are lifted up, all things seem possible. 'l'he future grows bright and yet brighter before us, and our hearts are thrilled with a foretaste of celestial joys. "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb! "-W. F. Ver. 3.-.A portrait. Lord Macaulay tells. us that the Earl of Breadalbane, who was the chief hand in the Massacre of Glencoe, never had rest arterwards. " He did his best to assume an air of unconcern. He made his appearance iu the most fashionable coffee-house in Edinburgh, and talked loudly and self-complacently about the important service in which he had been engaged in the mountains. Some of his soldie.rs, however, who observe<l him closely, whispered that all this bravery was put on. He was not the man that he had been before that night. The form of his countenance was changed, In all places, at all hours, whether he~ wake<l or slept, Glencoe was for ever before him" (vol. iii. p. 216). So it was also with David. Ai;, Chrysostom has said," He ca.rricd in his bosom a painted picture of adultery and murder." Let us consider this. L THE SUBJECT OF THE PAINTING. Sin is everywhere. It is in the world, in society, in our friends, but worst of all it is in our own hearts. •• My sin!" What Li "before'' us is not the sins of others, but our own sins, or perhaps some particular sin that stands out in all its hideousness and enormity. II. THE :MEANS BY wmcn 'l'llE PAINTING IS WROUGHT OUT. It is not said before the world or the (;hurch, but "before me." Everything is individualiiod, "A wo.kcncd conscience acts the nrti.at, Uses the sun of heaven's Io.w To photograph the sinner's life: Then holds it up, e. l,idcous monster, To the e.ffrighted eye!" Ent conscience has its allies. There is memory. All that we have thought and felt and done, all the varied events acd experiences of our life, are recorded by memory, Much may seem to be forgotten, but nothing is really lost. Go where you will- ., Yet doth remembre.nco, like e. sovereign prince, )''Qr you a st11-toly gallery maintain of go.y and tro.gio pictur<ia.,. PS, LI, 1-19,] THE BOOK OF PSALMS. 403