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content with praising him ourselves, we should, like David, publish abroad his kindness to us, and by that means engage others to join with us in blessing God, and in fearing him. Moreover, the Psalmist here teaches us, that God is, and ever will be, the king and judge of the world; that he will render to the wicked according to their works; that he searches out the wickedness of men; that all those who offend him shall perish; and that he will not suffer the wicked to prevail for ever. Lastly, David assures us, that those who fear the Lord may rely upon him that he forgets not the cry of the humble in affliction that he never forsakes those that seek him; and that the expectation of the righteous shall not be in vain. These are truths that we ought always to retain, as they tend very much to fill us with trust in God, and strongly engage us to depart from iniquity.

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PSALM X.

I. THE prophet here describes the violence, cruelty, and artifices, which the wicked make use of against the innocent. II. He beseeches God to be the protector of the righteous, and hopes that his prayer will be heard.

Reflections.

THE Complaints which the faithful makes in this Psalm, teach us not to be surprised if we see the righteous sometimes oppressed, and the wicked succeed in their unjust and cruel designs. We see here, that wicked men often employ both deceit and force to destroy the good; that God suffers innocence to be oppressed for a time; and that then the wicked think they have nothing to fear, and that God will not take notice of their sins. But this Psalm teaches us likewise, that God does not always suffer the proud and unjust to prevail, but takes vengeance on their crimes; and as for the meek and humble, that he beholds their afflictions, hears their cries, and never forsakes them.

PSALM XI.

David, being persecuted by his enemies, declared that he put his trust in the Lord; and that he was persuaded, God, who is a righteous judge, would support good men, and pour down his judgments upon the wicked.

Reflections.

I. THIS Psalm furnishes us with an example of the confidence which the righteous have in the Lord their God, who is their sure refuge, even when they are in the most deplorable condition, and know not what will become of them. II. King David teaches us, that God has his throne in the heavens; that he sees and knows both the good and the wicked; that his soul hates those that love unrighteousness; that he will cause the fire of his vengeance to fall upon them and that, as he is perfectly just himself, he loves justice above all things, and always favours the upright.

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PSALM XII.

I. IN this, which is a Psalm of Prayer, David complains how few were upright and sincere, and that the people of his time were treacherous and full of mischief. II. He prays God that he would, according to his promises, protect the innocent, and restrain the injustice and violence of those who endeavoured to oppress them.

Reflections.

I. David's complaint of the small number of good people, in his time, and his prayer to God upon that occasion, teach us, that when we see iniquity abound, and how little there remains of honesty and sincerity among men, we ought to pray to God, that he would deliver us from the snares and malice of the wicked, and especially from imitating them. II. God promises, in this Psalm, that he will root out

all flattery and deceitful tongues, and that he will rise up to revenge afflicted innocence. This should teach us to avoid all deceit and injustice: and convince us, that, if we walk in uprightness, God will always be our protector and defender.

PSALM XIII.

David, in the bitterness of his soul, complains that God had forsaken him, and prays him to comfort him, and deliver him from his terrors; in the midst of which he is nevertheless encouraged by a holy confidence, which induces him to praise the Lord.

Reflections.

THIS Psalm is very proper for persons in affliction, and especially for those that labour under their sins, and are deprived of the sense of God's love. Such as are in this sad condition should not despair, but rather have recourse to God with confidence, implore his compassion, and beseech him to comfort them, and enlighten them with his grace, lest they sink under the load of their affliction; and, when God has delivered them, it is their duty to celebrate his mercy, and praise him for all his good

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PSALM XIV.

I. David, in this Psalm, describes the great and general corruption of the men of his age, their wickedness and impiety. II. He threatens the wicked with the judgments of God, and promises the righteous his assistance and deliverance.

Reflections.

David's description of the men of his time agrees, in many respects, with what we see among Christians; among whom so few seek God sincerely, and so many live as if they believed there was no God. Therefore we ought seriously to meditate upon what is said in this Psalm, that we may be preserved from such corrup

tion; to which end we ought to consider, as David here teaches, that if the wickedness and depravation of men are great, God will take vengeance; and that in the worst of times there are always some faithful and righteous men that fear God, who partake of his love and protection.

PSALM XV.

In this Psalm, which is doctrinal, David teaches us who are worthy to serve God in his tabernacle, and to enjoy his presence, and by what marks they are distinguished.

Reflections.

THIS very instructive Psalm teaches us, that God will not admit all men into his presence, nor esteem them true members of his Church, but only those who walk in uprightness, who are faithful and sincere in their discourse and all their behaviour; who avoid slander, injustice, and extortion; who love good men, and religiously keep their promises and engagements. Such is the character of a virtuous man, and one that fears God, and such is the glorious recompence that is promised to him; and since none but these can enjoy the effects of God's love in this world, or the next, we ought to apply ourselves with great earnestness to all these duties, and live in innocence and integrity, and then shall we experience the truth of the promise made in this Psalm, He that doth these things shall never be moved.

PSALM XVI.

I. In this prayer, David intreats God to defend him, seeing he trusted in him; and declares, that he loved those that feared the Lord and abhorred idolatry. II. He seems, from a sense of the divine favour, to be full of joy, and testifies that he does not fear even death itself, and hopes to be for ever happy in communion with God.

Reflections.

WE are here to observe the sentiments of the children of God, and their happiness. As to their sentiments, David teaches us, by his example, that they always trust in God; that they love and esteem the pious and virtuous; above all, that they avoid the company and errors of the wicked, and adhere inviolably to the pure service of God. As to their happiness, this Psalm teaches us that it is very great; that God himself is their portion and inheritance; that he is on their right hand, that they may never be moved; and that the sense of their happiness makes them rejoice and praise God continually; and that they are even convinced that God will not abandon them to the power of death. Lastly, though what has been said in this Psalm may suit David, and all the faithful, yet it is to be observed, that these words, Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption, were completely fulfilled only in Jesus Christ; who, as St. Peter takes notice, Acts ii. being the Holy One of God, did not remain in the grave, nor see corruption; but was raised the third day, and exalted to heaven, where he reigneth over all things, and has prepared, for all true believers, joys that never shall expire.

PSALM XVII.

David, in his prayer, instructs the Lord to consider his innocence, to restrain the malice of his persecutors, and to defend the righteous from the violence of the wicked. He declares, moreover, that he did not seek for happiness in the things of this world, but sought it only in the divine presence and favour.

Reflections.

I. The confidence with which David calls upon the Lord in this Psalm, and his firm assurance that God, who knew the uprightness of his heart, would protect his innocence, show the great advantage of an

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