II. The unfailino exercise of these attributes fob the belief aud salva- tion OF MEN. If" we are not consumed," it is not through any excellence or merit of onrs, but because of the forbearance and pity of him who does not willingly afflict the children of men. We tempt the Lord by our ingratitude and rebellion to lay aside his compassion, but he is greater and better than our highest and purest thoughts of him : "His compassions fail not."
III. The advantages men enjot through the exercise of these attbibuteb. There is (1) a negative advantage — we are not consumed ; and (2) a positive advan- tage—we are saved and blessed. The language of the prophet receives its highest illustration in the dispensation of the gospel. It is in Christ Jesus that the attributes here celebrated appear in their greatest glory, and secure the largest and most lasting results of good for men. Hence the privilege of listening to the glad tidings. And hence the obligation under which all Christians are laid to extol the mercies and com- passions of God, revealed in his Son, and practically securing for all who believe the blessings of forgiveness, acceptance, and eternal life. — ^T.
Ver. 23. — " New every morning^ Human life abounds in novelties. It Is made up of experiences which combine novelty and repetition. But the mercies of the Eternal are ever new ; no day breaks which does not open up some new prospect of Divine faithfulness and loving-kindness towards the children of men.
I. The same mebcies are repeated afresh. Because a gift of God resembles a previous gift, it does not, therefore, fail in being a new proof of Divine beneficence and favour. The most necessary blessings are those which are most frequently bestowed, and are those which we are most likely to receive without attention and to undervalue.
n. New mercies are constantly bestowed. The successive stages of our earthly pilgrimage reveal fresh wants, call for fresh supplies from the bounty and benevolence of our God and Father. Wiih new needs come new lavours. Varying duties, fresh relationships, and changing circumstances are the occasion of ever-renewed manifesta- tions of Divine goodness. And our repeated errors and infirmities are the occasion of new manifestations of Divine forbearance and forgiveness.
III. New claims are thus established upon human consecration and obedienob. If a human benefactor who has upon some one important occasion come to our assist- ance deserves lifelong gratitude, how can the claims of God be justly conceived and practically acknowledged, seeing that the hours of every day are laden with his favours? If a motive is needed to a new life, a life of devotion and holy service, where can a mort
en. ill. 1— de.] tHi: lameKtaI'ions of jerEmiaH. si
powerful motive be found than here? Often as we have partaken of Divine goodness, often as we have enjoyed the assurance of Divine forgiveness, we are called upon by the favours which are new every morning to renewed devotion of ourselves to the God of all grace and forgiveness.
IV. New occasions are thus afforded fob renewed praises and thanksgivinos. With every new morning nature offers a new tribute of praise to Heaven. Shall man alone be silent and ungrateful ? Shall the Christian, who is the oliD.sen recipient of Divine favours, b« slow to acknowledge their heavenly source, to praise the heavenly Gtivert
" New mercies each returning day," eto.
T.
Ver. 24. — 2%e Portion of the godly. When the land of promise was divided among the tribes of Israel, no inheritance was assigned to one of the number, viz. the tribe of Levi. It appeared good to Divine wisdom that the consecrated and sacerdotal tribe should be distributed among tlie population, and that a regular provision should be made for their maintenance. To reconcile the Levites to their lot, it was declared to them by Jehovah liimself that he was their Portion. The language here appropiiated by the prophet, as his faith and hope revive, is language which every true servant of God may take to himself.
I. The Lord is an incomparable and unrivalled Portion. Without the Divine favoiir, the greatest, the wealthiest, the most prosperous, are poor ; with this favour, the lowliest and the penniless are rich. For that which pertains to the soul exceeds in value that which is external ; circumstances are not unimportant, but to the just and reflective mind they are inferior to what is spiritual.
II. The Lord is a sufficient and satisfying Portion. With what jubilant, triumphant exultation did the psalmist exclaim, "The Lord is the Portion of mine inheritance, and my cup"! He who made and redeemed the soul can alone fully satisfy and supply it. Well might the apostle assure his Christian readers, "All things are yours ; " and well might he reason for their encouragement, " Shall not God with Christ also freely give you all things?"
III. The Lord is an eternal Portion. Whilst " riches take to themselvei wings and fly away," whilst " the bubble reputation " bursts, whilst death levels the kings of the earth with the beggars, — the spiritual possessions of the pious remain undiminished in preciousness. In fact, the true value of the Portion of the godly can only be known in eternity. Here the estate is in reversion ; there it is fully possessed and everlast- ingly enjoyed. — T.
Vers. 25, 26. — Waititig /or salvation. It is to most persons easier to work than to wait. Yet there are possessions, dignities, influence, which even here and now can only be attained by waiting. And religion, which is the highest discipline of the spirit, encourages this attitude and, indeed, in many instances demands it.
I. The attitude of the pious soul. He who is graphically described in these verses : 1. Seeks God. For we are not called upon to be utterly passive ; we are not led to expect that blessings will come to us without any exertion upon our part. To seek God in our daily life, in the order of his providence, in the pages of his Word, is a reasonable and profitable exercise. 2. Hopes for his salvation. And why not ? Has not the Most High revealed himself as a Saviour? And is not salvation the blessing we most urgently need ? 3. Quietly waits for it. This beautiful expression implies that the word of promise is believed, and that without doubting the soul expects its fulfilment. A rebuke to those who think that seeking God is accompanied with noise and excitement.