4 Which in his season yields his fruit, and his leaf fadeth never : And all he doth shall prosper well. The wicked are not so; But like they are unto the chaff which wind drives to and fro. 5 In judgment therefore shall not stand Nor in th' assembly of the just 6 For why? the way of godly men Whereas the way of wicked men PARALLEL PASSAGES. Ver. 1-Prov. iv. 14, 15. Ver. 4-Matt. iii. 12. PSALM II. In this Psalm, from verses 1 to 4, are set forth the united efforts of Jew and Gentile, seconded by regal power, to crush the kingdom of Christ; and from verses 4 to 6, the utter helplessness and folly of such impious conspiracies. God the Father, in verse 6, declares his having installed Christ the prince of the kings of the earth; and, in verse 7, Christ makes known the words of the Father in raising him from the dead,-Acts xiii. 33. In verse 8, the extent and efficacy of the intercession of Jesus are stated; and, in the remaining part of the Psalm, kings and magistrates are exhorted to the observance of the duty that devolves on them as Christian rulers-viz., to protect, support, and patronize the church of Christ, and to use every lawful expedient to glorify God, and to promote the salvation of sinners. Let us sing the Psalm rejoicing that the gospel will assuredly triumph over the malice and the opposition of sinners, and thankful that our kings have read and endeavoured to obey the solemn warning-seeing Christianity is established and countenanced by "the powers that be;" and, at the same time, let us pray that all the kings of the earth may become "nursing fathers to the church, and that in our hearts and lives, individually, we may feel the savour and the power of the truth as it is in Christ. [ST. ANN'S.] 1 WHY rage the heathen? and vain things why do the people mind? 2 Kings of the earth do set themselves, To plot against the Lord, and his 3 Let us asunder break their bands, 4 He that in heaven sits shall laugh: the Lord shall scorn them all. 5 Then shall he speak to them in wrath, 6 Yet notwithstanding I have him 7 The sure decree I will declare : 8 Ask of me, and for heritage the heathen I'll make thine; And, for possession, I to thee will give earth's utmost line. 9 Thou shalt, as with a weighty rod And, as a potter's sherd, thou shalt 10 Now therefore, kings, be wise, be taught, ye 11 Serve God in fear, and see that PARALLEL PASSAGES. Ver. 2-Luke xxiii. 11, 12. 5-Luke xix. 27. Ver. 6-Phil. ii. 9. Ver. 12-1 Thess. i. 8, 9. PSALM III. DAVID, being driven from his kingdom in consequence of the rebellion of Absalom, bewails, in great dejection, his forlorn and persecuted condition. But he reflects on the revealed character of God, and on his own past experience of His favour, and from these two points he draws strength for the present, and confidence for the future. Let us sing this Psalm, calling to mind the goodness and love and faithfulness of God, and the many expressions of these Divine attributes which we have personally felt.-"If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." If God has given the greater gift, how much more will he give the less. God uses and bids us use past mercies as arguments for more. However numerous and besetting our sins and temptations, let us not despair, but fling ourselves more unreservedly on God in Christ. [PETERBOROUGH.] 1 O LORD, how are my foes increas'd! against me many rise. 2 Many say of my soul, For him in God no succour lies. 3 Yet thou my shield and glory art, th' uplifter of mine head. 4 I cry'd, and from his holy hill the Lord me answer made. 5 I laid me down and slept,-I wak'd, for God sustained me. 6 I will not fear, tho' thousands ten 7 Arise, O Lord, save me, my God; 8 Salvation doth appertain Thy blessing, Lord, for evermore PARALLEL PASSAGES. Ver. 6-Psalm xxvii. 14. Ver. 8-Isaiah xliii. 11. PSALM III. [SECOND OR BIBLE VERSION.]-Chant. LORD, how are they in-creased that trouble me? Many are they that rise up a-gainst me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. 3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, And he heard me out of his ho-ly hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept ; I awaked; for the LORD sus-tained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves a-gainst me round a-bout. 7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies up-on-the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the un-godly. 8 Salvation belongeth un-to the LORD: Thy blessing is up-on thy people. PSALM IV. To the chief Musician, on Neginoth. THE chief musician was the precentor, or leader of the band, who set the tune; and Neginoth is supposed to have been the name of an instrument, or, perhaps, of some well-known tune. David describes his feelings and sentiments under the relentless persecution of Saul :-In verse 1, he presents his prayer to God, the fountain of all his righteousness. In verses 2 and 3, he argues with the wicked sons of men, and shews that the godly alone have the approbation and assistance of God. In verses 4 and 5, he recommends self-examination and a change of conduct; and while they offer offerings of righteousness, he bids them not trust in them, but in the Lord. He concludes in language inimitably beautiful, by declaring, that the children of God enjoy vastly more true happiness amid all their adversities and sorrows, than sinners in the midst of luxury and wealth. Let us in all our troubles look up to God as our present help; let us seek his kingdom and righteousness above and before all besides; and let us endeavour, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to arrive at that frame of mind which will lead us in the felt possession of God's favour to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. [ST. DAVID'S.] 1 GIVE ear unto me when I call, 2 O ye the sons of men, how long How long my glory turn to shame, 3 But know, that for himself the Lord The Lord when I on him do call, to hear will not refuse. 4 Fear, and sin not; talk with on bed, and silent be. your heart |