3. When he opens them it is not to speak in our own praise, and seldom in praise of others, but always in his own praise.
4. We should use this prayer whenever we are about to speak in his name. "O Lord, open, "etc.
Verses 16-17.
1. Men would gladly do something towards their own salvation if they could. "Thou desirest not, "etc., else would I give it.
2. All that they can do is not of the least avail. All the ceremonial observances of Jewish or Gentile churches could not procure pardon for the least transgression of the moral law.
3. The only offering of man which God will not despise is a broken and a contrite heart.
4. All other requirement for his salvation God himself will provide.
Verse 18.
1. For whom is the prayer offered—for the church or Zion?
(a) Next to our own welfare we should seek the welfare of Zion.
(b) All should seek it by prayer.
2. For what is the prayer offered?
(a) The kind of good, not worldly or ecclesiastical, but spiritual.
(b) The measure of good. "In thy good pleasure." Thine own love to it, and what thou hast already done for it.
(c) The continuance of good. "Build, "etc. Its doctrines, graces, zeal.
Verse 19.
1. When we are accepted of God our offerings are accepted." Then," etc.
2. We should then make the richest offerings in our power, our time, talents, influence, etc.
(a) Holy obedience.
(b) Self sacrifices, not half offerings, but whole "burnt offerings; "not lambs merely, but "bullocks."
(c) Zeal for divine ordinances. "Upon thine altar."
3. God will take pleasure in such services. "Then shalt thou be pleased."
1. Because from his own redeemed.
2. Because given in the name of the Redeemer. With such sacrifices God is well pleased.
WORKS UPON THE FIFTY-FIRST PSALM
Exposition of the Fifty-first Psalm, by MARTIN LUTHER, in "Select works of Martin Luther, translated by REV. HENRY COLE." Vol. I., pp. 51-197.
"An Exposition upon the 51 Psalm, "in "Certain Godly and learned Expositions upon divers parts of Scripture. As they were preached and afterwards more briefly penned by that worthy man of God, Maister GEORGE ESTEY...Late preacher of the word of God in St. Edmund's Burie." 1603. (4to.)
"David's Penitential Psalm opened: in thirtie severall Lectures thereon. By SAM. HIERON. 1617." (4to.)
"Good News from Canaan; or, An Exposition on the 51 Psalm, "in "The Workes of Mr. William Cowper, late Bishop of Galloway." 1629. (Folio.)
"David's Repentance; or, A plaine and familiar Exposition of the LI. Psalm: first preached, and now published for the benefit of God's church. Wherein euery faithful Christian may set before his eyes the Patterne of vnfeigned Repentance, whereby we may take heed of the falling into sin again. The eighth edition, newly revised and profitably amplified by the author, SAMVEL SMITH, preacher of the word of God at Prittlewell in Essex...1630." (12mo.)
"A Godly and Fruitful Exposition of the Fifty-one Psalm, the fifth of the Penitential, " in ARCHIBALD SYMSON'S "Sacred Septenarie." 1638.
"Meditations and Disquisitions upon the 51 Psalm of David, "in "Meditations and Disquisitions upon the seven Psalms of David, commonly called the Penitential Psalmes." By SIR RICHARD BAKER, Knight. 1639.
"CLII. Lectures upon Psalm LI. Preached at Ashby Delazovch, in Leicester Shire. By the late faithful, and worthy Minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. ARTHUR HILDERSAM. 1642." (Folio.)
"An Exposition of the one-and-fiftieth Psalm, "in pp. 51-239, of "Sermons with some religious and divine Meditations. By the Right Reverend Father in God, ARTHVRE LAKE, late Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells." 1639. (Folio.)
"David's Broken Heart; or, an Exposition upon the whole Fifty-one Psalm. By that Reverend divine Doctor SAMUEL PAGE, late Pastour of Deptford Stroud, in Kent...1646." (4to.)
Exposition of Psalm LI., in "Chandler's Life of David." Vol. 2 pg 254-273.
"The Portraiture of the Christian Penitent: attempted in a course of Sermons upon Psalm LI ...By the Rev. CHA. DE COETLOGON, A.M. 1775."
"Lectures on the Fifty-first Psalm, delivered in the Parish Church of St. James', Bristol. By the Rev. THOMAS T. BIDDULPH, A.M. 1835."
"The Penitent's Prayer: a Practical Exposition of the Fifty-first Psalm. By the Rev. THOMAS ALEXANDER, M.A., Chelsea."