It. bas been noticed by all devout readers of these psalms. One says1 "It is a ?uplicat€ deliciousne8'.'; ther~ are within it linke~ swootnesses long draw n out. It 1, a kmd 0f word with which to cast spells which should charm away all fears." Some h_ave derived the word "kindness" from "kinnedness," the feeling which we cherish to those who are near to us in our own families, And God's kindness to liis people is because he has made them of his own kin. He bids us call him •_- Fat.h<'r," and he has given us "power to become sons of God" (John i. 12). And L,rasrnucll as amongst ua the fact of being a man's "kin" may not involve, often does not, that he 8hould be to us "kind," therefore God's kindness is spoken of as lu,:ing-kindness. A w~ma.n _may show kindness to poor people, but to her own dear child she will show lovmg-kmduess-a much warmer and more tender feeling. And this is that which God cherishes and manifests towards us. Nature, providence, and grace all attest this. It is not true that Nature is immoral, harsh, bitterly cruel, "red in tooth and claw," and ne€ding to be supplemented by the gospel of Christ, if the character of its Crea.tor is to be regarded as beneficent (see Drummond's 'Ascent of Man'). There is another and a. gentler side belonging to it. And providence, if we will but remember its educational purpose, and the graciousness of its common dealings, will give clear testimony to the loving-kindness of the Lord. And so, chief of all, will the grace of God attest this. "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that," etc. 2. .And this is to be our morning theme. (1) For then a.re we fresh and vigorous, and the firstfruits of the day should be offered. The dews of the Holy S!Jirit fall then especially. (2) And we need preparation for all the day may bring; it is sure to bring temptation, and it may bring trial and trouble; yea, disaster and death may come. Ilut if our hearts be filled with the sense of the loving-kindness of the Lord, we are ready for all that may be in store for us. (3) And we have had fresh proof of it in the fact of spared life and renewed strength (cf. Keble's morning hymn). Now, all this is true of the literal morning. But if we understand by the "morning," the beginning of our life, its earlier days, what more fitting theme could there be for this morning than the loving-kindness of tile Lord? And so, too, of the morning after the night of sorrow, when God has cleared the clouds a.way. And without doubt we shall find it good to do this in tile blessed resurrection morn. Let us prepare for this by showing forth God's loving-kindness now. IL Fon 1'"'1GHTFALL. God's faithfulness is to be our theme then, And it is most fitting. For we have experienced more of it. What he promised to give he has given-provision for our wants; protection; guidance; and deliverance from many a :mare of the devil. He has been faithful all a.long. UL TaE EXERCISE IS TO BE A SHOWING FORTH, In praise of heart and lip and life rendered Wlto him; and in open confession, and grateful obedience.--S. C.
Ver. 10.-The holy oil,. We have here- L A VERY BLESSED THING SPOKEN OF. Under this emblem the Holy Spirit is set forth (Luke iv.18). 1. The Jwly oi7 told of was especially sacred. (See E~od._ xxx. 33; Ps. lxniL 20.) 2. It enr.obled those on whom it was p()11,red. Const1tut10g them prophets, princes, priests. 3. It invigorated and empowered for high service. •1:his is especially true of the Holy Spirit (Luke x:xiv. 49). 4. •It was a bond of union. (Ps. cxxx:iii 1, 2.) And so the Holy Spirit (John xvii. 21; EP?: iv. 3). 5. It is 11.addening. (Ps. xxiii 5; Heh. i. 9.) 6. Illuminating. (1 John u. 27.) 7. Sweetly fragrant. (John xii. 3.) In all these and yet other respects did the holy oil tell of the blessed Spirit of God. II. A VERY JOYFUL CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED. "I shall be anoint!)d," etc. He does not say "I hope·" but he is sure of what he affirms. Now, the grounds of this con- fidence' are : 1. TI.at it rested on God. He could not have spoken thus had it been resting only on man. 2. We are united with Christ, the Anointed One. "Of his fulness we all receive." 3. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. 4. The promises of God. So full, numerous, clear, strong. 5. The experience of God's people in all a,qes, Daily strength has been given for daily need. Therefore we may well believe the text. Ill. ,AJii, INV ALU ADLE HELP TO OUR SPIRITUAL LI.FE PR0MfBED. 1. It banishes fear. (1) The fear of poverty. Israel, though they had only the day's supply of manna., did not fear for the morrow. Nor need we, for we know that, though the sun will set, there Pll, XCII, 1-Hi.] 'l'HE BOOK OF PSALMS. 287