Psalm cxviii. 22, 23.-The stone which the builders refused This is the LORD'S

is become the head stone of the corner.

doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

"THE testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.""To him give all the prophets witness."

There are five things in the text which claim our attention.

I. The stone.

Jesus Christ is intended, as will be evident from the following, among many other passages, that might be cited. Isaiah xxviii. 16; 1 Peter ii. 1—8.

II. The conduct of the builders with regard to this stone. They refused it.

By the term "builders" we understand, Jewish dignitaries, civil and ecclesiastical. "The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together, against the LORD, and against his anointed."

III. The important situation which this stone occupies, notwithstanding its rejection by the builders.

"It is become the head stone of the corner."

This phrase intimates, the supreme authority with which Christ is invested as Head of the church.

"Being found in

fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Philippians ii. 8—11.

IV. The power to which this result must be attributed. "This is the LORD's doing."

In innumerable instances God has caused the wrath of man to praise him but the most illustrious instance on record, is that to which our text refers.

V. The wonder and admiration which this view of the subject is adapted to excite.

"It is marvellous in our eyes."

Contemplating the opposition which the Founder of our holy religion encountered, in connection with the glory to which he has been exalted; well may we exclaim, "What hath God wrought ?"

To conclude.

Let us be thankful that, as christians, we have so much clear and decisive evidence to sustain our faith.

F

Matthew v. 7.-Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

EVERY disposition we ought to cherish, and every habit we ought to indulge, may be enforced by numerous motives, bearing on our personal and social well-being. This consideration is eminently adapted to interest and stimulate us.

Let us now endeavour

I. To exhibit the character referred to in the text: "the merciful."

Observe then 1. A merciful man is a man of sensibility and feeling.

Some men have neither sensibility nor feeling. Their hearts are hard as iron.

2. A merciful man is a benevolent man. He is ready to assist others.

3. A merciful man is one that would rather forgive an injury than resent it.

Our Lord probably refers to this.

4. A merciful man, according to the import of the words before us, is a man of religious sensibility; who regards the souls, as well as the bodies, of his fellowcreatures.

Notice

II. The reward of the merciful.

“They shall obtain mercy.”

1. A merciful man is more likely to obtain mercy at the hands of human beings than one of an opposite disposition.

2. A merciful man is encouraged to expect the mercy of God. See chap. vi. verses 14, 15.

3. A merciful man will be viewed with approbation at the day of judgment. See chapter xxv. 31-40.

To conclude.

How may a merciful disposition be excited and nourished?

1. By habitually contemplating the character of God.

2. By frequent visits to Calvary.

See Luke xxiii. 34.

3. By friendly intercourse with the victims of calamity.

Romans xv. 5.-The God of patience.

How various and satisfactory are the representations which the sacred writings give of the Almighty!

Our definition of patience will be two-fold; regarding it, first, as a Divine attribute: secondly, as a Christian grace.

I. Patience, viewed as a Divine attribute, may be defined by the word forbearance.

Here, it will be proper to notice the patience, or forbearance, of God, as it is constantly exercised,

Persons may be

1. Towards impenitent sinners. seen on every hand, who are constantly breaking Jehovah's laws; and treating with indifference the messages of his love. Yet from year to year they are spared. How is this to be accounted for? Jehovah is a God of patience.

2. Towards professors of religion.

Let us view them as Children. Do they love, fear, honour, and obey, their heavenly Father as they ought? Certainly not. Yet he bears with them.

Let us view them as Pupils. Are they not slow to learn those lessons which the books of nature and revelation are intended to teach? Alas, they are. Yet he continues to give them" line upon line - precept upon precept."