HOMILETICS. Vers.1--45.-The testimony of history. God reveals himself in many ways; of these one is found in human history. All history may be studied, that we may understand his Divine thought and purpose; but more especially sacred history, his dealings with his ancient people. The psalmist is continually returniog to this as a source of striking e.nd convincing illustration. Among other lessons brought out by this psalm are the following:- I. Hrs FAITHFULNESS. (Vera. 8-11, 42-44.) Though, in the midst of oppression e.nd misery in Egypt, it mo.y have seemed that he had forgotten his covenant, it was not so. He remembered it (see Exod. ii. 24). So it often seems to us, when we wait long for deliverance. We are inclined to ask," Why hast thou forgotten me?" (Ps. xiii. 9). But when "the end of the Lord" is seen, then we reprove our trustlessness e.nd adore his faithfulness. II. His GOODNESS IN ADVERSITY, (Vera. 12-15.) As God sheltered his people, though "few in number, yea, very few," and held back the threatening hand of the strong so that in their days of pilgrimage they were preserved, so has he guarded bis people in all ages, not suffering the great world-powers to crush them; thus does he now manifest his presence and his power to individual men as they walk the checkered path of Ii fe. III. His REDEEMING LOVE. (Vers. 20-22, 26, 27.) God's redeeming kindness shown to Joseph in his bondage and humiliation, and then to the whole nation in its captivity and suffering is an anticipation and a type (1) of his delivering grace shown to u~, his children, as we find ourselves first entangled or enthralled, and then graciously extricated or enlarged ; (2) of his redemption of our race in the gospel. A greater than Moses was "sent "-that "Servant of the Lord" (Isa. Iii.), before whom "kings should shut their mouth;" who should work out a salvation compared with which the deliver- ance from Egyptian bondage was small indeed. lV. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WAYS. (Vera. 16-19.) The famines which afflicted Canaan (see Gen. xii. 10; xxvi. 1), which ultimately brought Israel into Egypt, and the disgrace and hard dufanco of Joseph, were "trying" to the faith of those who passed through them. God does try us now, and "the trial of our faith," in dark and mysterious times, is intended to draw us nearer to himself, and to deepen the roots of our confidence in him. .A faith exercised when the way was always plain and pleasant would be a poor and feeble thing; the piety that did not trust when it could not see would be of little worth. v. Tm'l MASTERY OF APPARENT IMPOSSIDJLITIES. (Vers. 40, 41.) He who gave "bread from heaven" and " water from the rock" can interpose and save in the da.rkost hour, in the direst necessity. Nothing is too hard for the Lord; certainly not our own particular embarrassment. VI. Hrs LEADERSHIP. (Ver. 39.) God Jed Israel in a way as well as by a way which they knew not-a way his people could not possibly have imagined. So he lead8 his children now. vVe cannot predict either the means by which our God will guide ue, or tho path by which he will conduct us to our home. PSALMS-II, 2 1!l 418 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [PB, OV, 1--46,
VII. Hr8 PURPOSE IN otrR PROSPERITY, (Vera. 43-45.) Jehovah brought hie people into the land of promise in order" that they might observe hie statutes," i.e. in order that they might become I\ holy nation; for the end of all providential bounty nnu of all redeeming kindnesR is character, moral and spiritual worth. God enriches us, he redeems and reinstates us, in order that we may attain unto his own likeness, may be "partakers of his own holiness." Not comfort or enjoyment, but ennoblement,abiding orth, is tho true end to which all blessings lead. Vers. 1-5.-The response of man to the providence of God. What should be our ttitude toward God in view of all his providential dealings with us? I. PRAISE. "0 give thanks," etc.; "Sing unto him." JI. PRATER. "Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face." Ill. CoNSIDERATION. We must remind ourselves of bis works (vcr. 5), IV. SACRED JOY IN RIM. (Ver. 3.) V. PUBLICATION. "Make known his deeds among the people."