confllBion and misrule, where we see only the working of human passion. Dehiud all is the hand of God. So it is still. Our Lord said, "My Fat.her worketh hitherto." If men ev<'rywhere were brought to this faith, that this is not a forsaken aud fatherless world, but a world under the benign 111le of God, they would bow their hearts in worship, and rejoice to sing praise to the Most High (,,er. 4). II. GoD's SPECIAL DEALINGS WITH NATI0NS SHOULD BE SEEN IN HISTORY, (VerR. 6-7.) It is said of the ungodly, that" the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts : but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands" (Isa. v. 12). Ilut the psalmist was of a different spirit. He had seen much that had thrilled his heart with admiration and delight, and he would have others to ent.er into his joy. "Come and see the works of God" (ver. 6). Israel may be called the model nation. As "a city set on a hill." Israel has been set on high for the instruction of other nations and peoples (1 Cor. x. 11). 'l'he principles and laws by which God governed and judged Israel are the princi11les and laws according to which be deals with his people everywhere, iu all times and in all lands. God changes bis methods, but not his laws. His dispensations alter, but he himself is the same. Hence his judgments of Israel and of the nations are full of instruction to us. Israel was the chosen people, "unto whom were committed the oracles of God" (Rom. iii. 2). God is represented as keeping guard over them. He was their Watch- man, and his eye was ever on "the nations" (ver. 7) around, ready to warn and defend his own people. Let us be sure that in like manner he is now standing in watch over the interests of truth and rigl,teousness, and that he will overrule all things for the advancement of the kingdom of his Son (Ezck. xxi. 27). III. Gon's GREAT HOB.AL PURPOSES SHOULD BE SEEN IN HISTORY. (Vere. 8-20.) 1. First, we are called upon to bless God for our preservation. If one is taken and the other left, it is not without a reason. It is God that keeps both nations and individuals alive. 2. Further, we are taught that all trials are part of God's discipline. (V ers. 10-12.) Even in the injustice, the oppression, and cruelty of men, we should discern the purposes of God. W c are being educated by trial. When we see God's love behind and over all, we learn to be patient and to hope to the end (Deut. viii. 1). 'The outcome of Israel's trials was Canaan; and "there is a rest that remaineth for the people of God." a. Lastly, we are admonished how God works to bring ua ever nearer to himself in looe and service. What the psalmist did is an example to us. (1) There should be renewed consecration. (Vers. 13, 14.) (2) There should be grateful and thorough obedience. (Ver. 15.) (3) There should be open and manly testimony. (Ver. 16.) ( 4) There should be more of prayer and more of praise, (Vera. 18--20.) "New mercies, ea.eh returning day, Hover aroUild us while we pray; New perils past, new sins forgiven, New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. "Only, 0 Lord, in thy dear love Fit 11B for perfect rest above; And help us, this a.nd every day, To live more nearly u we pray." (Keble.) W.F. Ver. 16.-The best evidence for Christ. It has been said that" the_ eviden~e for Christianity is not the evidences." This may be true of much that 1s techn1eally called " evidences· " but it is not true of the evidence brought before us here. Facts are facts. Effects must have sufficient causes. Godliness .can only be rightly 11.cconnted for by being traced to God. Christianity witnes_ses for Christ: Wherever you find a man saved by Christ, there you have the best evidence for Chl'ISt. I. 'l'HIB EVIDENCE IS THE HOST ACCESSIDLE. Like the facts of science, it is before our eyes. If you wo.ut to know the truth, "come and see." As St. Paul argues," the works of the flesh are mrinifest," and a black catalogue he gives of some of them. But the works of the Spirit are also manifest; and they are so contrary to the works of t,he flesh, that when a man changes bis life, to walk, not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, the evidence is conclusive as to the transcendent and beneficent rs. LXVI, 1-20.J 'l'HE BOOK OF PSALMS. 39
power of Christ. 'l'ho gre!lt conversions of St. Luke, as recorded in bis Gospel and in the Acts, nre evidences of the highest kind; but they are but siimples. From that time down through the o.gcs thero is an ever-increasing cloud of witnesses. There is much evidence thnt is only accessible to the learned, arnl to snch as have leisure and capncHy for investigation; but here is evidence opc·n to all-dear, relevant, and unmistaknble. II. 'l'ms EVIDENCE IB THE MOST CONVINCING, It is so to the individual Christian himself. There may be arguments you cannot answer, and difficulties and doubts you co.nnot remove; but if you have felt the power of Christ for good, you have proof which is better than nil else, that Christ is from God (1 John v. 10). You know the Bible to be true. You know salvation to be a reality. It is not something you have heard of or seen in others, but something which God bas done for your own soul. Like the man who bad bis sight restored, you can say, "Whereas I was blind, now I see." Or like the woman healed of the issue of blood, you can, solicited by love, bear witness, even" before all the people" (Luke viii. 47), as to the great tbiogs which Christ bas done for you. This evidence is the most convincing to others besicles ourselves. When we find a real change of mind, a transformation of character, a life mnde beautiful by self-denial and virtue where formerly it was otherwise, and self ruled instead of Christ, we cannot but confess the band of God (Gal. i. 23; Acts iv. 13; 2 Cor. iii. 1; 1 Cor. xiv. 21). III. 'l'HIS EVIDENCE IS THE MOST ENDURING. It is not limited to one time; it rnus through the ages. Here is the true apostolic succession, anrl it bas never been broken. In spite of all opposition and hostility, Christianity lives and prevails. At home and abroad, in every department of business and in every kind of society, it bas its witnesses. Wherever we go, we may find brethren in Christ; and wbea, like Paul, we meet them, perhaps, when we are in trouble or in unexpected places, let us thank God, and take courage (Acts xxviii. 14). Let us also, in our several places, see that we are found faithful. If we are called of God, it is that we may live for God. If we have been enlightened by Christ, it is that we may let our light shine where he bas given 118 our lot. What an honour to be a witness for Christ I The more closely we imitate him by holy living, by faithful work, by loving service to the poor and needy, the greater shall- be our power with God and men, and the greater our reward in heaven (John xx. 21; Matt. xix. 28).-W. F.