_Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up._ THE DEPRECABLE AND THE DESIRABLE I. The deprecable in relation to man. 1. Craven-heartedness. A man whose heart is morally sound is bold as a lion, invincible as the light of day. 2. Presumptuous revenge. II. The desirable in relation t... [ Continue Reading ]
_What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee._ FEAR AND FAITH It is not given to many men to add new words to the vocabulary of religious emotion. But so far as an examination of the Old Testament avails, I find that David was the first that ever employed the word that is here translated, “I will t... [ Continue Reading ]
_In God will I praise His word._ THE MORAL IMPULSE IMPARTED TO INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES BY THE STUDY OF THE BIBLE My object is not merely to demonstrate the inspiration of the Bible, but to win you to the study of it. It may possibly be alleged by many persons, especially of the more busy class... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book?_ LIFE ON THE HUMAN SIDE AND THE DIVINE There is a description of life given in the Bible which has been objected to as depressing and unreal. Life is represented, it is said, as a scene of unending struggle a... [ Continue Reading ]
_When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back._ PRAYER VANQUISHING ENEMIES I. This prayer implies the existence of conflict. David was pursued from place to place by: his adversaries. The Christian, too, has many enemies. Within him and around him. II. This prayer supposes helplessness... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto Thee._ THE CHRISTIAN’S VOWS AND PRAISES I. A solemn obligation acknowledged. “Thy vows are upon me, O God.” 1. Vows made in public. (1) Entered into in baptism. (2) Ratified in confirmation. (3) Renewed in the Lord’s Supper. 2. Vows mad... [ Continue Reading ]
_For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?_ MERCIES RECEIVED I. Mercies received are in a special manner to be remembered. This has been the method of God’s people. David entitles Psalms 38:1., “A p... [ Continue Reading ]