_Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly._ THE 1ST PSALM, INTRODUCTORY This Psalm seems to have been placed first in the collection because, from its general character and subject, it formed a suitable introduction to the rest. It treats of the blessedness of the righteous... [ Continue Reading ]
_But his delight is in the law of the Lord._ THE LAW OF THE LORD We should all like to be blessed, and here is the way--delight in the law of the Lord. I. What is this law? Not the Mosaic, not the ceremonial law, for which God often cared nothing; but the law according to which the Lord hath order... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters._ THE TREE SIMILITUDE A beautiful illustration of the perpetual verdure and fruitfulness of the piety deriving its origin and sustenance from the Word of God. It is compared to a tree whose roots are refreshed by never-failing streams of livi... [ Continue Reading ]
_The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away._ THE CHAFF DRIVEN AWAY Who are the ungodly? Are they open and wilful sinners? Certainly these are included, but not mainly intended. Are they the atheists, scoffers, and those who make a ribald jest of all sacred things?... [ Continue Reading ]
_The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment._ THE DAY OF JUDGMENT 1. None will deny that the law of God, which is holy, just, and good, explicitly condemns the sinner, and consigns him to the second death. By the law can no man be justified. It contains no provision for pardon. 2. He will not be... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous._ THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS I. Contrasted pictures of life. 1. That of the happy man illustrated by the law of attraction and repulsion. See the sentiments, habits, and disposition (i) of the evil he is led to repel (Psalms 1:1); (ii) of the good to whi... [ Continue Reading ]