PSALM CXII.

THIS Psalm contains a description of true holiness, and of the happiness of the godly.

Reflections.

THIS Psalm teaches us, what are the distinguishing characters of true piety, and how great the happiness of those is who are possessed with it. I. The character which the Psalmist gives of good men is, that they fear the Lord; that they take great delight in his commandments; that they are just and sincere; that they conduct all their affairs with uprightness; that they are kind and full of compassion, and love to give alms to the poor. II. The prophet teaches us next, that those who live thus are perfectly happy; that God blesses them in their persons, in their posterity, and in their possessions; that they enjoy peace of conscience; that they fear no evil, always trusting in the Lord; and that their righteousness and their memory shall remain for ever. These are very important instructions, which should powerfully encourage us to the study and practice of piety.

PSALM CXIII.

THIS is a Psalm of praise, and an exhortation to acknowledge and declare the glory of God, and his infinite power, which appear in the works of his Providence, and especially in his exalting and blessing those whom he delights in.

Reflections.

THIS Psalm should excite us to praise the name of the Lord, and continue to publish his glory, which appears every where with so much lustre; and to celebrate that adorable Providence with which he governs all things here below, and by which he exalteth and humbleth men as he pleases. These considerations

are powerful motives to engage us to fear God, to depend entirely upon him, and to put our whole trust in his mercy.

PSALM CXIV.

We have here a noble description of the power which God displayed when the Israelites came out of Egypt, when they passed the Red Sea, and when the river of Jordan was dried up at their entrance into the land of Canaan.

Reflections.

THESE two reflections are to be made upon this Psalm: I. That the miracles which God formerly wrought in behalf of his people, at their coming out of Egypt, and when they passed through the Red Sea, and over the river Jordan, are incontestible proofs of the power, greatness, and majesty of God; and that therefore we ought to celebrate that infinite power, and to fear that great God, whom nothing can resist. II. The next reflection is, that since the wonders mentioned in this Psalm are not so considerable as those which God has wrought for us in the work of our redemption, we have more reason than the Jews to exalt the power and goodness of our God, and to bless him for ever.

PSALM CXV.

THIS Psalm has three parts. In the first, which is a prayer, the Israelites beg of God to deliver them for the glory of his name. The second describes the vanity of idols, and the folly of idolaters. In the third, the Psalmist represents the happiness of those who serve and fear God, and put their trust in him.

Reflections.

THIS Psalm teaches us three things: I. That when God does good to men, he is led to do it, not by any merit in them, but by his own pure mercy; which ought to be the foundation of our trust, when

we direct our prayer to him. II. What is here said of the folly and stupidity of idolaters, who worship dead idols, and the works of men's hands, tended to dissuade the Israelites from the worship of false gods, and the more effectually to prevent their forsaking the worship of the true God. This too engages us to bless the Lord for delivering us from idolatry, by making himself known to us; and should teach us to serve him with purity, zeal, and fidelity. III. We here see how happy those are who worship God and fear him; since the Psalmist assures us, that God is the help and buckler of all those that trust in him; that they are blessed of the Lord, who has made the heavens and the earth; and that his favours are extended to them and their posterity. These glorious promises should prevail on us more effectually to fear God, and to expect all our happiness from his blessing alone.

PSALM CXVI.

David gives thanks to God with holy transports of zeal, joy, and love, for the deliverances he had granted him, and for all the good things he had received from him.

Reflections.

In this Psalm the devotion and zeal of king David appear with most extraordinary lustre. We should particularly here observe, with what sentiments of joy and gratitude he celebrates the wonderful deliverances, which God had vouchsafed him in the great dangers he had been exposed to; with what zeal he praises him, and vows to love and obey him. From this pious prince we learn, that when God has bestowed any particular favour on us, and especially when he has delivered us from any great danger, it is our duty to love him, to bless his holy name, to perform our vows, and praise him in the presence of all his people; and, above all, to walk before him all the days of our life; and to testify our gratitude to

him, not only by our words, but by all our actions. This is what we are in an especial manner to do for the spiritual favours he bestows upon us, when he pardons our sins, and delivers us from condemnation and death, and receives us into the number of his children and servants. The sight and sense of such inestimable blessings should fill all those who partake of them with joy and consolation, and make them say with the Psalmist: Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the presence of all his people. Praise the Lord.

PSALM CXVII.

THE Psalmist invites all the nations of the earth to praise God because of his goodness and mercy.

Reflections.

THIS Psa.m invites us to one of the most important duties of religion, which is to praise God continually for his goodness, and confess that his loving-kindness is very great towards us, and endureth for ever.

PSALM CXVIII.

David exhorts all the Israelites to celebrate the goodness of God. He blesses him, with great zeal, for making him triumph over his enemies. The people answer his invitations by blessing the Lord, and praying for the prosperity of David. The last part of this Psalm relates to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflections.

THIS Psalm, as many others do, invites us to praise God, and to celebrate his goodness and mercy.. David, being delivered from all the dangers he had been exposed to, returns most hearty thanks to God,

and invites the priests, the rulers of the people, and all the Israelites to join with him. We should all be animated with the same zeal; and persons of every order, rank, and condition, should unite in the discharge of this duty, and acknowledge that God is good, and that his mercy endureth for ever. This Psalm, which the Jews sung at their feasts, should be made use of by Christians in giving thanks to God, not only for the favours and deliverances, whether public or private, which he grants them; but, above all, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God signifies in this Psalm, that the Messiah should be rejected by the chief of the Jews; and that notwithstanding, he should become the King and Head of the Church; which was fulfilled when Jesus Christ was crucified, and, when, after his resurrection, he ascended into heaven, and his kingdom was established in the world. Let us, therefore, celebrate the power and goodness of God, which have appeared in this wonderful work; and let the consideration of these salutary events lead us to say with David the stone which the builders refused is become the head-stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, it is marvellous in our eyes. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

PSALM CXIX.

THE 119th Psalm is an admirable description of the excellence of the law of God, and of the happiness of those that keep it. This Psalm is full of the most fervent and affecting devotion, interspersed with many beautiful prayers, with various strains of piety, and with a great number of excellent rules for the conduct of life; therefore the reading of it may be attended with great advantage, provided it be read with suitable attention and devotion.