might stand him in stead. The Canonist conceiving that all was quite
sure, hasted to the ship, where, with looks very big upon the poor
mariners, each cabin, chest, and corner above-board were searched,
and some things found to draw him further on: so that the hatches
must be opened, which seemed to be unwillingly done, and great signs
of fear were showed by their faces. This drew on the Doctor to
descend into the hold, where now in the trap the mouse might well
gnaw, but could not get out, for the hatches were down, and the sails
hoisted up, which, with a merry gale, were blown into England, where
ere long he was arraigned, and condemned of high treason, and
accordingly executed at Tyburn, as he had well deserven.
Verse 16. The story of Phalaris's bull, invented for the
torment of others, and serving afterwards for himself, is notorious
in heathen story. . . . . It was a voluntary judgment which
Archbishop Cranmer inflicted on himself when he thrust that very hand
into the fire, and burnt it, with which he had signed to the popish
articles, crying out, "Oh, my unworthy right hand!" but who
will deny that the hand of the Almighty was also concerned in it?
William Turner in "Divine Judgments by way of Retaliation",
1697.
Verse 17. To bless God for mercies is the way to increase
them; to bless him for miseries is the way to remove them: no good
lives so long as that which is thankfully improved; no evil dies so
soon as that which is patiently endured. William Dyer.
HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER
Verse 1. The necessity of faith when we address ourselves to
God. Show the worthlessness of prayer without trust in the Lord.
Verses 1, 2. Viewed as a prayer for deliverance from all
enemies, especially Satan the lion.
Verse 3. Self-vindication before men. When possible,
judicious, or serviceable. With remarks upon the spirit in which it
should be attempted.
Verse 4. "The best revenge." Evil for good is
devil-like, evil for evil is beast-like, good for good is man-like,
good for evil is God-like.
Verse 6. How and in what sense divine anger may become the
hope of the righteous.
Fire fought by fire, or man's anger
overcome by God's anger.
Verse 7. The congregation of the people."
1. Who they are.
2. Why they congregate together with one
another.
3. Where they congregate.
4. Why they choose such a person to be
the centre of their congregation.
Verse 7. The gathering of the saints around the Lord Jesus.
Verse 7 ( last clause ). The coming of Christ to judgment
for the good of his saints.
Verse 8. The character of the Judge before whom we all must
stand.
Verse 9 ( first clause ).
(1) By changing their hearts; or
(2) by restraining their wills,
(3) or depriving them of power,
(4) or removing them.
Show the times when, the reasons why, such a prayer should be
offered, and how, in the first sense, we may labour for its
accomplishment.
Verse 9. This verse contains two grand prayers, and a noble
proof that the Lord can grant them.
Verse 9. The period of sin, and the perpetuity of the
righteous. Matthew Henry.
Verse 9. "Establish the just." By what means and in
what sense the just are established, or, the true established
church.
Verse 9 ( last clause ). God's trial of men's hearts.
Verse 10. "Upright in heart." Explain the character.
Verse 10. The believer's trust in God, and God's care over
him. Show the action of faith in procuring defence and protection,
and of that defence upon our faith by strengthening it, etc.
Verse 11. The Judge, and the two persons upon their trial.
Verse 11 ( second clause ). God's present, daily,
constant, and vehement anger, against the wicked.
Verse 12. See "Spurgeon's Sermons," No. 106. "Turn or
Burn."
None.
Verses 14, 15, 16. Illustrate by three figures the devices and
defeat of persecutors.
Verse 17. The excellent duty of praise.
Verse 17. View the verse in connection with the subject of the
Psalm, and show how the deliverance of the righteous, and the
destruction of the wicked are themes for song.