Commentary on the Holy Bible

The {tarts of this Psalm "are.the following:—

n. A.perauAsioh to trust ini^God, and that from the psoOmist'S own exaipple, who called upon God, and wii3 delivered from trouble,^ ver. 5-14. ' III. The exultation of the. CJiu^eh for it, rer. 15-18.

IV. A solemn thanksgiving keptibr it, and in what manner it was /;clebrated, ver. 19-37.

I. The psalmist iitvites aU to' praise God: /.* b give thanks,^* 4^., and adds his reasons: —

Si. " He is ^ood, and ever gbod;'*' To us he is a merciful God, which flows from his goodness; his mercy created, redeemed,, protects, and will crown us. Thus hia mercy extends, espeeially to his people; t|ieiref6re,-T-. ^ ' '

2. ** Let iTie house of "Aaron," &c. That whole consecrated tribe.. '.

II. And thus, having given a general recommendatidn' of his mercy, he descends to instance in what it consists; Hhat is, God^s great deliverance, of him.

3: *! The Lord answered me, and 6et me in « large place." This was the issue. ^ '

Upon which experience the* psalmist exidtsj Und attcibutes it to Grod^s^mercy.

d. '' The Lord takes my pan,"^c. I shall be in emty^ whil^ my enemies will be cast d<mn, and the Church freed.

Fiom which he deduces a third inference:— '

1. **It is better U) trust m theXord," &c'. He is both «ble and willing to help.

S. " It is better to trust ia the' Lord than to pat confidence in princes." David found this in the case of AcV^, king of GaM.., '

In a song. of triumph he acquaints us in what dangers he- was, and ftom which God delivered him. It is good th^n to trust in the Loud. ^

2. ** They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about," 'dice.

3. "They compassed md ^bout like bees," Ac. Angry, and armed with stings; but my trust js alo<i6 in the Lord. In his name, and by his hflp, " I will destroy them."

He told us of a multitude of enemies; and for the overthrow of these he sang his triumph. "

. 1. " Thod hast thrust sore at me," SLt. '^^n^ in great diange^;. there was little iiope of ^escape.

2. " But the Lord helped me%" Jjfo help was in myself, but the Lord.

•In the next verse he fuHy acknowledges the Lord as his stipogth. * *..

in. And that this nong might befuUer, he. calls ^or the whole choir to sing with him. His delivery concerned the whole Church, and therefore.it must'bQ sung by the whole Church; and so it was kept as a juhiUii,.^ - day of thanksgivjng., -^. ^ ^1

2. ^ The right hand of the LoM," Sio. This anthem

d^c. Not IfA h^Eut-brokeOi bu(" declare the works of the Jiord." '* - ^

And among his works this is one:—

2. " But he hath not given me over," &rC. I acknow-.ledge in this his fatherly affection.

IV. It. is supposed that this Psalm was composed liy Davidf in order that it might he 9ung when the peo- ^

pie and the priests were, assembled before the Lord, for the purpose of thanksgiving; we may, with Junius^ form, it into a dialogtle. •. *.. " •

1. X)avid speaks orthe priests and l^evkes who had the care of the tabernacle: "Open to nje the gates," dice, that' is, the I^'s house; " for I will go in to them," &C.

2. To this^he.pries'ts rej^ly, '/This is the gatfe," He.. - The sole gate of Justice that)eads^ to him.

pavid repli^, showing in brief his reason: ' " I will ptaisO thee," du;.; ' and to the twenty-eigklh verqe, he shows how God had settled him in his kibgdom* * making him " the head of the corner;" which words, though they refer to David, there is no doubt of their havmg reference ako to Christ, of whom Ifavid was a type; and of Chrifl then I sha)l rather interpret them.

" The stone which Ae builders refbsed,"* dice.

1. The Church is sometimes in Scripture called a buOding;' the saints axe the' Uvinjg^ stones, and Christ is

2. But the JewSi the priests, td whom belonged the A^ office ^f building the €fauroh„ refused this stone: " We

will not have this mwi," &c.

3. Birt " he ii become the head of the corner.^ And whoever is not conneeted with him cannot be sav«d. 1. "This was the Lord's doing,". dlz;<>. That Christ became our salvation. 2. "And it is mar- Vellouis in our 'eyes." Ahd so it erei^ must be^ that Christ shooid die, the just for the unjust, to bring us^ tpCrod.

The excelkneies and

uses, of the

In oommemoratipn of so great* a work, adajr shpuldbe set aj^art....

1. ««Thi8 is the day,'* &c. Which- without doubt was the day olT the resurrectioA; the Lord making ^it a hi^ and holy day.

3. ' In the midst of onr rejoieing we- will pray, and sound forth Hosanna to the Son of Darid. This Was done by the people on.the entering of Christ into Jerusalem. It was^ the opinion of. the Jews that. this form of afchunation would be used before ' the. Messiah, ' ' <. ^ -^

- I. ** We have blessed you.''. A^ true happiness is nnder this King.

9. " Out of the house of the Lord-," &c. Prom out of the Church. \.

'^' 3. " God. is the Lord,** &c/ Revealed unto iu his Son as the' Light of the world. ' '..*. '

4. " Bind the sacrifice with cords,'^ Sit, Be thank-:. ful to him, and meet in the Church to celebrate. your ' thanksgivings. •,

v.* The prophet concludes with* It doxology.

1. " Thbtf art;my'Gbd,*'I have takeii thee for my portion..

9. " And «I will -praise thee;*' which h% doubles: " Thou art my God, and I will exait \hee." * Which repetition shows his ardent desire of evincing his gratitude.

.^nd'thus the psalmist coApludes witlv the' sun^ exhortation with' which iie began the'Psalm.

**'0 give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy enduredx for ever.'? ' And let him that readeth, and him that heareth, say. Amen! ' '

'This is an lincommonly fine Psalm,.and among'the niany noble ones it is one ofthe most noble. Its beauties ar^ so many and so proiunent that e^^ry reader, whoie Blind is.at idl influenced by spiritual things, must see, feel, and admire them. >

The 22nd verse, ** The stone which, the builden rejected is become (he head stone of th^ corner,^ mnt have, been a proverfnai expression;* ^bot' what gafs liirth to it I cannot find; butj 10(0 all iOtfaer pcoveriw, it doubtless had its origin from sotoe fact. On^ thing Js evident from ^he iTewish doctors. The most enlightened of them* understand this as a propltec^i>f the Messiah f and it was this ^neral opinion, as well as the knoiiMedge that the Spirit of prophecy thus intended it, that caused our Lord to apply it "to hiinself^ Mati. xxi. 42 ^ nor did any of them attempt to di^te tbe propriety of' the appUcatioci.

■f^LESS'ED are the • undefiled in- the way, ^ who walk in the law of,tIie Lord.

NOTES ON PSALM "CXIX. This is another of the alphabetical or acrostic Psalms. It is dividied into ^u;en/y-/u;o parts^ answer-

- ing to the number of.letters in the Hebrew alphabel. Every part is divided • into eight verses;, and each

•verse begins with that letter of the alphabet which forms the. title of.the part,^«. g.i The eight first verses have K aleph prefixed, ttie^MCMMid eight 3 beth, each t)f the e^g^iV verses begiBoiif Witii that letter; jind so of the rest. All connextbn, as mig^t be naturally expecte4t is'^saerificied to this artificial and methodical arrangement. '^ ^

It is not easy to give any general Andfyais of this Psahn; it is enough to say thatit treats in general on the privileges and happiness of llMise who observe the

• law o( the Lord. That law ir eihibited by various ' names and epithets, tending to tkMW its various excellences.* Earnest prayers are ofiTered to God for wisdom to understand it^and for grace to observe k ilpl! to keep in remembrance, fidtijjuUy. These t>articulars may be coUected frorf r-Vl. The Law, msn tohah, from m" yarah^ to direet^

S! Blessed are. they, that keep his testimoiuetf^ and that seek, him with the whole faesQI;. -,^ J" They also do no iniquity; they.Walk in his Ways. •' ^ •. ^

The words, which jBxpress that revelatien which vGod- had then given td men, o/Hlieaaie particular characteristic of ii) are generally rdckoned- to.be the ten following': 1. Testimonies 4 2. Commandments f 3. Precepts; 4. Word; 5. Law; 6. Ways; 7. 7>hiA; 8. JudgrhenU; 9: Righteousness; 10. Statutes, To these sohie add the ibllowing:-. 1. Ftntltfulness; 3. Judgment; 3. Name; but thiBse are not used m the Mnse of the' o4nr ten word^. I believe it is almost universally assorted that in every verse <vf this Pa^na one or other of those,ten words is used, ezeepi in ver. 122; but on a closcAr inspection we ^all find that none of them is used in the above sense m the 84th,"90th, 12l8t, 129^ somI 132nd. See the notes on these verses. -'

To save myself unnecessary repetition, and' the reader time and trouble, J shall here, once for all, Sl^lain the above words,^ which the reader wiH ds guide, teach, make straight or evffi, point ferwmrd; because it guides^ 'dir^ctSy mud. instructs in the waT of righteousness;. makes our jAth straight, shows what IS pven and right, and points us onward to peace, truth, and happiness. It is even oux schoet-mdster tohring us to Christ, that we may he justified.tkirough ' &ith; and by it.is the- knowledge -of sin.

.II. Statutes, 'D^pn chukkim, fromi.pn chak, to mark, trace out, describe, and ordain; because' they mark out our way, describe thie line oT conduct We are to pnfsue, and order or'oniatVi what w^ are to- observe.

:spect to, to appoint, to visit; beoanae fhey take 4u>tic^ of -our.way, have respect to tho whole of our life and eonvei^satipn, superintend, overtook, and visit us in jill Cbe concerns and duties of life*.-

IV. Commandments, ni3fD biitsvoth, from 'xj)Tt isaoah, to command, order ^ ordain; becauffo they show us wliat we should do, and what we should leasre undone, and e^act our obedience.. '

V. Testimonies, nil]; edoth, from TJ^ ady denoting beyond, farther^ all along^ to bear witness, or testimony. The rites and ceretnonies of the' law; because they point out matters beyond themselves,.being types and representations of the good things that were. to come.

shaphat, to judge, determine, regulate, (trd^i &tid discent; because they judge 6on<:eming pur* words* anS works; show the rules by which they should be regulated; and cause us to discern what is right and wrong, and decide accordingly.

ViL TauTH, miON emunah, from JOK aman, to make steady, Qqnstant^ to settle, trust, believe, ^e law that is established, steady, confirmed, and orderedin all things, and sure.; which shbuld be believed on the authority of God, and trusted to as an infallible testimony from Him who cannot lie nor deceive..

YIII. Word, nai dabar, from the* same root, to* discourse, utter one*s sentiment^ speak consecutively and intelligibly f in which -it appears to differ from SSp,ma/a/,- to utter articulate sounds. 'Any prophecy. or immediate^ communication from heaven, as well as the whole body of Divine rev6lation« is emphatically called rwr "Ul debar Yehovah, the word, of Jehovah. On the same grro^t^^ ^^ call the whole Otd and New Testament The Word of thc L6iii|»a» we term tbe T(^ume in\ which they are eoatained.tttc Bmla — The Boor^ In his revelation God speaks Xti man; ahows him, in a clear, concise, intelligible, and rational way, his interest, his duty, his privileges; and, in a word, the reasonable serviea: that he requires of him.

IX. Way, I'll derech, ftmi the same root, to proceed, go on, walk, tread. The way in which God goes in orde; to instruct and save man; the way in which man must tread in order to be safe,' holy, and happy. God's manner of acting- or proceeding -kk providenee and grace; and the way that man shodd take in order to answer the end of hia creation- and TodaiDplion*

5 O that my ways were directed to • keep thy statutes!

X. RieHTEoCsNESs, * npTJf tsedakah, from • jnx tsadak, to do justice, to gw^fuU weight. That which teaches a man to give to. all tbpvti due; • to give Gob his due, man his due, and HiMSBLrliis due; for every, man has duties to GoH, his neighbour, and.hiMself, to perform. This word is^applied to God's judgments^ testimonies, and eommantbnerits: they are all righteous, give to all their due, * and require what is due from ^very one. ' '. •,

* llie three words, which some add here, are, 1. FaithfCLNESS, nJIDK EMinr^: but see this.under No. VII.; nor does. it aj^pear in ver. 96, where it occurs, to be 'used as a characteristic of God's latOf but rather his ej(acV fulfilment of his j^romwA to man.

The second"!^ jvi}QMXwr, tspvn mishfhai. * See- this under No. VI*.: it occurs in ver. 84 and 'l 91: '" Wlien wiH thou execdte judgment," &c.; hut is not used in those places as one of tl|e ten words.. The third is name, DV shem, see ver. 132: but this is no eharacleristic of God's hiw; it refl^rs here^ simply to him^f.. Those that love thy Name is the saine as those.that.love thee. ' Bishop Nicholson inserts promises among the ten words: but this occurs no where in* the Psalm. -' ' yVe might, and with much more propriety, add a fourth, niDK IMRAH, from "^^DM amor, to branch out, spread, or diffuse itself, as the branches of a tree; and which is 'often used for a word spoken, a speech. This often occurs in the Psalm:.an^d we regularly translate' it uHffd, and put no difif^rence or distinction between it and ^1 dflhar,"S(h VIII.*: but "it is jipt exactly the same; '^y^ dabar may apply more properly to history, relation, description, arid such lilje; while ^niDW imrathecha, 'thy word, may mean an i/nmediate ardi]e, delivered solemnly from God to His prophej for. the < instruiction of men. But the two words appear often indifferently vieA \ and it wonlcf not be easy to* ascertain the dififereat shades of meaning. between these*. two roots. ■ ".

having; thus far introduced the Psalm to the Reader's attentioh', I' should probably speak at large of the elegance of its pomposition, and the importance and utility of its matter. Like all ^ther portions of Divine revelation, it is'elegai^ importarit, and useftil; and while* I admire the fteaiidify of the psalmist's genius, tlje unabating flow of Ua poetic vein, his numerous synon3rm8, and his caput verborum, by which he is enabled to expand, diversify, and illustrate th*e same idea; presenting it to his reader iiv "all possible, points of view, so as to render it pleasing, instructive, and impressive; 1 cannot rob the reH of the book of it^ just ptaise by setting this, as many tore dopCf above all the pieeep it contains. - It ia liy ftr the largest t^e most artificial, And most difMifled; yet, in proportion to its length,* it 'dontaina thc fewest i4eas of any tsalm iri the Book.

• Several of the ancients, particularly the G^ek Jkthers, Innre considered it as an abridgmeat tif Ba*. ^fwtkB li/W;:ii which he expresseaall the states through whicl^ he bad paaped; the. trials, persecutions, «accodrs, and encouragements he had received. The Latin fathers perceive in it all the morality of ^he txospel, and rules for a.man^9 conduct in eyery situation of life. Cassiodorus asserts that it contains the sentiments of the prophets, ^x>8tles,r martyrs, and all the wnts. In the introcfbction tolfe Book of Psalms 1 h^ve conjectured.that many of them were composed from notes tal^en^'at different.times, vid in wide^ different circumstances; hence the different stated described in the same Psalm, which could n6t nave: been at one and the satme time the experience ot the « same persoq; It is most likely that this Psalm was competed in *this way; and thi^ aS'WeH.as its aorostical arrangement, will account for its ^erai want of connexion.

Though the most judicious interpreters, assign it to the times of the Babylonish captivity; yet there aire 'so' many things in it descriptive of David*^ state;, ex- ' peri^nce, tmd affairs," that I am led to. thiidc it might have come from his pen;. or if composed at or under the captivity, was formed oUt of his Holes and memoranda, 1 shall now make short reo^ks.on the principal subjects in «a6h part^ and^ at the end of each, endeavour liy the iina/ym to show the'^catmexum which ' the eight rerses of each have among themselves, and ' thetise which the reader, should, make of them.- iq all the Versions - excBDt (he Cfhaldee this Psalm, is numbered cxvili. •.. ^. '

•Verse 1. Blessed are the undeJUed in tke way]

Verse 4. Thy precepts diligenay,] TKO meody ".«upatetively, to the uttermost." God ha^ never given- a oommandment, the observance of which he knew to b^ impossible. And to whatsoever he has commanded he requires obedience; and his graos is sufficient for us. We must not trifle wi£h God.

Verse 6. O that thy ways were direotedl " I wish

Verve 0. Then ihoU T not be ashdmei] Every set of transgression in -the wicked man tends ta Aart(en Ms hetrt, and render it caUousi If a man- who-fears-God is 80 unb^py as Uf iUI into sin, his conscience reproaches him, and \»\b ashamed before God «nd man. This isa full ^iwA that God*s Spirit has pot utterly departed from him, and that ji& may repent; believe, smd he 'healed, • ' ' ' •

Unto ail tky tammandmenU^ God requires untverM? obedience, aad all things are possible to him' whoa Christ strengtbeni; and all things are possible to him that believes. ABow that at^ of GiKPs commandmeots may be transgressed, and we shall sdon have the whofe decalogue eet aside. '

• Verse 8. O forsake me^ not uit^y,J "IKO Tjf vi meodi "to ntfer dereliction;" never leave 'rae temy own strength, nor to my own heart!

1. In this first octonaty the prophet commends tcriis the law of Grod, and persuadeif us to practise it by two arguments: 1. H^ppin^ssf ver. Iy2. 9. The excellence of the" La^irgiver, ver. 4.

.11. He shows his affection to this law, desiring grace to keep itf ver. 5. '. - \

dn which he knew, there wotdd follow two effects; i. Peaee of conscience: " He should apt be ashamed," ic >, •....

2. Thahkfulness to God for his teaching, yero 7. '" Blessedare they who are Undefiled in,tlie wiiy,*'^c. ** Blessed are^they who keep his testimbnies,*^ he, " They also tio no iniquitjp," &c.

I. The first' argument used by the prophet to pCTt anade men to obedience is llessedn^s. He that woaU be l^tppy must be Obedient ^ and his qbediehce, if true, inay he thua discerned: —

1.. «* He must be undefiled'in the way*" Keep himself frtoi sin. ' *

9.." He muH walk in the law of- the Lord,*'. *e. Whiph ia the rule of our faith, life^ kai -warsliip.

4. "He must seek him with a whole heart" Whh sincerity search his law to the utmost, both what it Mr, and what it forbids, in order to know ihe mind of the Lawgiver. ''. ' ".

6.- /* They also do lio iniquity." They work no iniquity with I.^Purpose df heart; 8. J>dight; 3. With perseverance; 4. Nor at all, when the 'heart is fhlly sanctified -unto God; Cbtist dwelling in it by faith.

6. They walk in his way^ which the wicked do not: but the righteous have taken it for their path through life; and should they at any time swerve from it, they eome back by repentance and confession to CM*

The prophet's second argument to prii'Miaia li»eh^ dience is the authority of the Lawgiver, ilfti dience proceeds either -from contempt oftT __

9 Wherewithal shall, a youj^g man cleanse his.way.! by taking heed thereto accoiding to thy word....

Ip.With my whole I^ait have I * sought thee: d let me not* ^ wander from thy commandments,

rebellion against tljem: but David brings to our. mind the aathority of the Lawgiver, from a consideration of woho be is who commands our obedience as his servants:, ^Thoa has^N commanded that we keep,'' &c.

1. Thou, who knowest when we err, and wiH piAiish us.. • '

. 4. ^DiUgenilyj &c. Not negGgeotly or laaily, or Satan will take advantage of us., ' _ ' n. Th& blessedness promised to the keepers of God's. law moved the prophet to send forth this ardent prayer, ***0 that my ways," &c. •

1. David was a great king, and yet distiiea to be obedient.

9. He answers God> tfommani by a fitayer, to, be enabled to perform it by his grace, v '^ ^

3. " O that my ways," ^c. My counsels, actions, &c., were conformable to the stiaitness jaad regularity of thy law.,

4.- He knew he could 'not be too closely anited to God, and.therefore he prays^ to be dire9ted; /

^W^ich prayer he knew God wookl he«r; and tfaKt tbe effect would be quietness of soiil, and boldnes9 at a, throne of graces ' - 1. "Then shall I not be confounded,'' Ac. If< his heart were right with.God, he should not ^y^i^in him, as did Adam: that was the effect of disobedience.

9« If God directed his ways to the keeping of his commandments, he should Jnd no amazement in' ^is conscience, but hjoly boldness.

.And. this effect will produce another friiit, a thankful heart.

8. "With uprightness of heart." Not with liis tongue^ ' Mdy, but with an honest and upright heart* • 3. But.this cofld not b6 done till God-haicl taught him: " I will praise thee when I shall have learned,'! dice. Not to know them only with my understanding, but to make them the rule if my life, which cannot -be but by the it^uence of the Spirit of Goo ». And what follows upon this will he a firm purpose of heart to be obedient to God's laws.

1. • " I will keep thy statutes. " So am I fnlTy resolved aind decreed with myself. And it is a great help to godliness to resolve to lire a godly life; for how shall that be performed which is riot purposed.

d. And yet this purpose or conclusion he makes in Ood's strength '; and therefore coivstantly prays: " O not utterly." Without thy aid I can do \i but if at any time iq thy just judgment thoB, that I may know and -feel my own ^akneao,

13 With my lips have I 'declared all the judgments of Uiy mouthy •.

apd learn tho^. better to fly to thee, let it not be an utter desertion. * Forsake me not, nether too much nor too long. ^ *

Verde 9. A young man cUansf hisway^ n*W orach^ which we translate way hore, signi^e6 a fr^^, a ruti such as is mi^le by the. wheel of a cart or chariot. A young -sminer haa no broad beaten path; he has hia private ways of offence, his secrel pollutions: «and how shall he be cleansed from thes^! how c|ui he.he saved from what wiU destroy mind, body« and souL! Let him hear what follcfws; the description is from Ood.

.1. «He is to consid^ that his w^y istrnpure; ^3aA how abominaUe this must mafte him appear 'in the sight of God.

3. He most examine it according to Ghfd's wordf and earefuUy J^ear what God has said concerning hitn and ii. - ' •. -»

. 3.. He must taJlte heefi to it, *1D9S UskmoriW keep guard, %dA preserve His way—^hi» gpneral coarse «of life, from all defilement..

^ Verse 10. With my whbU h^art have Ismigit thee] 4. He mavtiedk Qod; m^e earnest prayir wad^sup^ plication to him for Divine light, ibr a lender oifn* science, and for itfength to wa^ aprigbtly. 5. H^ whole- heqrt; all his afiTections must bo engaged Jieroi or he* cannot succeed. If he keep any affection for the * idq^ or abomination; if hi? h^art, do aot give it before the Lord, he may make many prayers, but ^od will answer none of them. 6. He- must- take care to M^. in the path of duty, of abstinence and. 9elf-tdenial; pot permitting either lus eye,, his hand, or his heart to wan^ der from the commandments of his Maker.

V^rse 1 1. TAy word have I hid in my heart] 7. He must treasure up those portions o( OotTs word in hia ^ mind and heart 'which speak agunst un61eanness of every kind; and that ^reoommehd piipty, chastity, and holiness. The word of Christ should 4well richly in him> If Grod's word be only in his Bibley atid not also in his heart, he may soon and* easily be surprised into his besetting sin.

• yeoie 19. Blessed art thou] 8. He most acknow' ledge the mercy. of God; in so fat preserving him from all the consequences of his sin. 9. He should ^f of him to.^ome his ieaehh", thai his heart and eonscietice might be instructed ib the spiritualify of hia statutes.

Verse 13. With my lips, hat^e I declared] 10. He should declare to his own heart, and to all his companidgns in iniquity, God^s judfpnents against himseirand ftem; that if his long-suffenng mercy have not mada a proper impression on 'their hearts, they may tremble at Jiia approaching judgments. ^

14 I have rpjoiced in Uife way of thy testimonies,, as much as in^all richest

17 *Dcal bountifully with thy senrant, that I may live, and k6ep thy word.

18 ' Open thou -mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out -of thy law. '

19 *' lam a stranger in t^e darth: bide not thy commaodments from me.

20 ^ My soul breaketh for the longing. t?uU it hath unto thy judgments at' all times. * /■

•21 Thou hast rebuked the proud ^Ao/ ar€ cursed, which do "err from thy oommandtfients....

Verse 14. J have rejoiced] II. He muM considei it his chief' happiness to be found in the paM of obedience\ giving his whole heart tod strength to God; and when enahled to do it, he should rejoice' more in it than if he had gained thousands of gold and-silyer. O how* great is the ireasurepf a tender and approving conscience'!

Verse 16. IwUl meditate] 12. He should encourage self-examination and leflection; and meditate frequently on God's words, works, and ways; and especially on his gracious dealings towards him..13. He should keep his eye upon Gods steps f • setting the exaibple of his "Saviour before his eyes, going where he. woOfd go^ and nowhere else*; doing what he would do, and nothing else; keeping the company that he would keep^ and none else; and doing eveiy thing in reference to the Jinai judgment.

Verse 10. / will delight myself]^ The word, is ▼ery emphaticai: yvjmiff» eshtaiasMay IwiH skip about and jump for joy.. 1 4« H^ must' exult in God's word as his treasure, live in ^e spirit of obedience -as hie work, and ever glory iiv God, who has cidled him to scrch a state 6t salvation. '^15. tie muflit nevoF- forget what God has done for Atm, dpne in him^ and promise^ farther to do; and he must not forget the promises)|e.had raadcj and the votds of the Lord that are upon him. Any ydung man who attends to these fifteen particulars will get his impure way cleansed; victof^ over hiiB sin; ajnd, if he «bide faithful to the Ix>rd that bought him, an eternal heaven at last amon^ t^em that are sanctifiied.

In the first part the psalmist, having commended God's law, from its Author-rGod, and its end-r^iappiness> shows ns ii^ the second part the efficacy and utilily of it to % holy life, without which there can be no happiness. And ui order to show, this- effect, he obooses the most, unlikely subject,.

I. A young maj^, in whom.the law of Ae jneqabers 18 most strong; he wants experience; he is headstrong, end generally under the government,, not of sei^n nor Religion, hut of his own passions.

IL The psalmist shows that, to cleanse the way of such, he must " take heed to them," watch over them, and " remember his Creator in the days of his youth."

As a man must become holy in order to be happy,

he shows how this holiness is to be attained, and adduces his owii'expezieiice.

\2. Keep and remeipber what God says r." Thy • words have I hidden," &C'.

3. vReduce all this to practice:. ^ That I nught not «n a^nst thee."

4. Bless God for what he has given: «« Blessed 9it thgn," &c.

5. Ask more: «* Teach ine thy statutes.".

j6. Be ready to communicate his knowledge to others: " With my lipe have I declared."

7. Let it have a due effect on thy own heart: "I have rejoiced," &c.

9. Deeply ceflect on them: **I.wi]l have isspeet," &C; As food undigesied will not nourish the body,- so the word of God not considered with deep medSta^on and reflection will not feed the soul.^

10. Having pursued the above course, he shoold continue. in.*lts and then his happiness would be secured: " I will not forget < thy word. " I will ^in cbn8eqttcfn<59) delight myself in thy statutes."

Verse 17. Deal bountifully] ^ui gemol, reward thy servant.. Let him have the return of hia &ith aJsd prayers, th^ the Divine life may be preserved in his soul! Then he will keep thy word. From SdJI gonad, to reward, &c., comes the name of Jl gimel^ the third letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which i» prefixed te every verse- in this part, and commences it with itf own name. This is a stroke of th6 psalmist's art M ingenuity, " * '

Verse 18. Open thmt mine ^ eyes) ^rp 7J galeynai, reveal my eyes, illuminate my onderstaliding, take away the veil that is pn my heart,. and then shi^ I see wonders in thy law. The Holy Seriptures are plaiii enough; bu) the heart of man is darkened by sin. The Bible does not so much need a comment, as the soul does the light of the Holy Spirit. Were it hot for the darkness of the human intellect, the things relative Uf salvation would be easily apprehended.

Verse 19. / am a strimger in the earth] In the Umd„ Being obliged to wander about from pboe te place, J 'am like 'a stratiger even in. my

22.^ RemcMre from me reproach and contempt; for 1 have kept thy testimonies*.

93 Princes also did Ml and speak against iner but thy servant did ''meditate in thy statutes..

- 24 * Thy testimonies aho arc my delight and/ my coifnsellors*

&$' « My soul cleavelh' unto the dust: en thou hie according to thy word.

If it-r^fei to the captives in BabifUm^ it iQay mean diit they felt themselves there as in a state of exHi; finr, althoagh they had been seventy years in it, tliey ■till feli it as a strange land, because they considered.Palestine their homei.,

Verse 20. My soul breaketh] We have a simflar. ezpreiision: // broke my heart, That is heart-breakingy She die<f. of a broken heart. It ei^pressc^ excessive longing, grievous disappointment, hopeless loVe, accutnulated sorrow* By thia we may ' see the hungering and thirsting which the psaknist bad after righteousness, of^n imngled with orach despondency.

Versd 21. Thou hast -rekiked the, prtnuH.Thiff - was dope oflen in the ci^. of Da^id; and was true abo.in reference to the Babylonians,.who held the Israelites in subjection, and Wl^ose- kings, were among the; proudest of human ^beings. Instead of Dnr x&dim, the proud, -some MSS. read DHT zarim, strangers, and one reads D'U goyimi the ieathen^,and so the Syriac.. •

Verse 32. I^^ove from me reproach qnd contempt] Of these the captives in Babylon had' a more than ordinary load. • •

Verse 1J3. Princes also did sit] It is ve^ likejy that the nobles of Babylon did otlen, by wi.cked misrepresentations/ render the minds of the hings of the empire evil affected towards the Jews.

Verse 24. Thy testimonies also arc— ^fny. counsellors,] • "nn^'BTJN anshey atsatlu, t'.the men of my Counsel.'' I sit with them; and I consider every testimony thou hast given as a particular counsellor;. one whose advice I especially need.

The' Analysis will farther explain the particular uses of this part.

In this division the pti(almist — ' I. Reckons up the impediments he may me^ with an>eiideavonring tn keep Gbd's law.

n. Prajrs'GwL to rtemove them. 'First impediment. A dead soul and a dull heart; and therefore he prays for grace that he may live and keep God's word.

Second impediment. Blindness of understanding: " Open my eyes, that I may see wonders in thy law." The wonderful equity, wisdom, and profit of it. • '^J^ird impediment. His wayfaring -and uncertain

26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: ^ teach me thy statutes.. 27 Make me^ to understand the way of -thy precepts: so ® shall I-talk of thy wondrous works] ' •

28 ^ My soul • melteth for heaviness; atrengthexi thou me according unto thy word.

29 Remove from me the way of lying; and giWl me thy law ^graciously*

30 *I have chosen the way of truth*: thy judgments have I laid before me..

situation: I afo a "stranger upon the earth 4*^ therefore, '* hide not thy commandments fromme.^' Should 1 be frequently destitute of thy ordinances, leave ine not withoi)t thy Spirit's teaching. ^

Fifth impediment. Pride of heart. This he s^W ill others, and was afraid that it might take place in him^ •self-; and he knew if it did, he should wander from ' the commandment^ and ^M>me under a cttr^e.

Siath impediment. The reproach and contempt he met: with in conseqaence bf his endeavonrs to liv^ a godly life. Against this he prays aa a ^evous tenK]^tation: '' Retaove fr9m me reproach and. contempt.". •

Seventh impediment,. The rulers of the people plotted, dgainst his life; tfiey even met ia council about it: " Princes did also sit and speak against me.'' It ii difficult to bear reproach ^yen for Christ's sake; though it should be S. matter of glorying: but he must be strong. in the faiAi, who can stand agauiBt keen raillery, and state persecution.

But whut effect had all this upon the psalmist }

^. - He made^ them ' his counsellors — drew* all his* wisdom from them; and he was amply rewarded, for they became his delight. Every man profits who is faithfhl to his God. ^ *

Verse 95. My soul cleaveth unto the dust] It would be best to translate 'crSJ naphshi, my life; and then cleaving to the dust may imply an apprehension of approaching death; and ^is agrees best with the petition. *.

Quicken thou me] •JT! chaiyeni, " make me alive." Keep ntie from going down into the dust.

Verse 26. / have declared my ways] '*n'>£)0 «pparti, '* I have numbered my ways;" I have searched them out; I have' investigated tham. And that he had earnestly prayed- for pardon of what -was wroii? in them, is evident; for he adds, **Thou heardest me."

31 I- have stuck unto tliy teetimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.

32 I will nm the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt ^ enlarge- my heart.

38 'Teach uie, O Lord, the way of thy ites; aiid I shall keep it ^ unto the ^ad.

Verse 28^ My soul melteth]^ Pp^ ddaph sipiifies to distil, to drop a^ tears from the eye. As my distresses ciuse the tegrs to distU from mV eyes,. so the overwhelming Joad of my afflictions baiises my life to ehb and leak out.

Vers? 29. The ttoay of lying] The -propensity to falsity 2Lud'prevaricatHfh; whatsoever i6 contrary to

'truth. Remove me from its solicitations, and remove it from me. " Grant me thy law graciopsly;" give it to me as a rule of moral.conduist; but give it -to me graciDusly through tlie Gospel; and then it will -not be the letter that killeth, but will be sanctified to taie, sb as to become ts me holy,* just, and oood. - *

■ Verse- 30t\I have chosen the way of truth] And that I may <;ontinue in it, " remote.from me the way of lying." See ab6ve.

O Lordy put me not to shame.'] Jjet my sins and follies he blotted- out by thy mercy; sfld bo hide phA cover them that they shall* never appear, either 'in this 4ir the coming tphrldi'Xo my shame tM confusion!.

* ^erse 32. I will run], TEb particle O, which we translate tr^??!, 'should be translated because^: Because thovt shalt enlarge, or dilate, my heart; 'make plain itoy path by cleansing me. from my impuritv, and tdking the hinderanc6a out of my way. I 'will tnen run without dread of stumbling, and every 'c^sy make sensibfe progress.. ".

II. Confesses it.

IV. Professes what in consequence he would do.

1. 1. ** My soul cleaVeth unto the dost r^' His afiections cleaved to things below, instead of being set on things abo>Q.

2. ** Quicken thou me-:" Give me a life accdrding io ' thy law. By cleaving to thfr earth, he was earthly;

by cleaving to the flesh, he was carnal; but by living according to ther spiritual law, he Was to become one spirit with God..

1. " I have declared my ways.-' I acknowledge all

35 'Make me to go.in the path of thy cbatj mandments; for therein do I ^ delight. -

36' Incline, my heart linto thy testimonies; and not to Vcovetousnessi.

37 "Turn ^ away mine eyes from ** beholding vanity; and p quicken thou me in -thy way.

2. 'iThou didst hear me; forgavest.me oitt of thy piere mercy.' •-

.3. Do the like now: « Teach me thy statutes.** These two tbings should be sbiight together: merty to papdoii,. and ^aee to ^assist and renew.

•III. He proceeds in this prayer., ^

r.' " Make me to understand,? Where the riund is darkened, the heart cannot 'be well ordered.

3. He that asks gx)od things from God should ask them for a good end: "^ake me to understand; so shall I talk," &c.; '

- IV. tie letums is his confession, and states what He purposes to do.. " ^ ' '" ^

' 2. " Strengthen thou me:" Give me the gi^Euse thou hast promised.

• 3. " Remove fronxme the Way of lying;"' Give me power to Syoid all sin.

4. " Grant tike thy law graciously:" Priiit the matter of it* in my heart, and abolish my corruption. '

7. He will continue in it.

8. • Yea, and With, greater diligence thah ever. To make up for lanst-time, he will now run: aiid, while runjiing, keep Jn God*s way. Some run', butlhey run out of it.

Verse 33. T^ach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes] To understand the spiritual refe^nce of all the statutes, &c., under the law, required a teaching which, could only come fVom God.v

/ shall keep it unto the end.] Here isv^goodtMng asked for a good end. He wishes for heavenly teaching; not to make a parade of it, but to enable him to discern his duty, that he might act accordingly. • Verse 34. With my whole heart.] 1 vrfll not trifle with my God, I will not divide my affections vrith the worid;^God shall have all.

Verse 36. Not to'covetousness.] L^t me have no iaoBMliiiate lore for gain of any kindynor fax snr tlung

40 Behold, I have 'longed after thy 'precepts: " quicken me ia thy righteou^ess;

41 ^Let thy merciefl cdme also mHO me, O Lord, ewcjn thy salvation, according tQthywori

Verse 39. Turn nway my reproach^ which I fear] This may be understood of the "reproach which a man may meet wi(h in^ consequence of living a godly iife, for such a life was never fashionable in any time or country. 3ut I. have found the following pote on \he psissage: " I have 'done « secret *vt/; my soul is sonhr for it: if it hecorae public, it will be a keayjr reproach to me. O God, 4urn it away,. add/let il never meet,' the eye of m^n!" — Anon,. '

Verse 40. Behold, I have longed] Thou searchest the "heart; thou kpowest that I have -long desured.tby salvation; tbou^seest that, this desire still, remains. Behold it 1 it is thy work;. and ihrough thy mercy 1 breathe after thy mercy.

(ifiicken me] I>am dying; O give me '.the spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

In this part, which is wholly precatory i the psalmist prays, —

1. That God would illuminale his mind^.

ji. That he would remove all those hinderandes which mi^ht prevent hiip from doing his duty..

L 1. The first petition is for iUuminatioii: '^iTeach me;^ point me out what I am to learn, and?iow I am to learn it.

2. The second is, ** Give me understanding.'' Let me comprehend, that 1 may profit by this teaching.

8. The end for which lie asks, — that he ^fi^y kctop the law."

He specifies the manner: 1. He will be no tempotiter.; he will keep it " to the end." 9. He will be Ho hypocrite; he will keep it *« with his whole heart.**

1. He prays for power: " Make me to j[o.*' Without thy Spirit's help I can do nothing: I do not know the way without thy teaching; I oannot walk in it without thy help. ' ' '

S. He wishes to go in the path; the way in wliieh »)] God's followers have walked:

43 And take not the word of truth utterty out of my tnouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. '.' '

44 So shall I keep thy law Continually for ever ^and ever.

■ 3. It is a;HiM,'not a public road; a path where no beasj goes, aiid men seldom,.

4, He gives a reason why his petition should be granted: " Therein do I deligbt-l

' IL He prays to bavO'sll impediments removedT

3. He pn^ys against the desire of the eye: ^' Turn.away mine eyes.** Let.the'eye of my \Mdy be turned 9i^af frofn vanity; the eye of my mind turned away to thee. • -. '

4. Let Aie find the benefit of this turning: ".Stablish thy woxd,'?^-=Hnake goocl thy word; give me grac^ to stand. •

5. For.which he gives this reason:' "I am thy sei^ yant, and am devoted to thy fear."

, 6. He is- afraid of the coasequences if he be not faithful: *.* Ttom aWay my r^nroach." lit it not be said, at the 'day. 'of judgment,' ** I Was hon^, and you gave me no meat,^' &t, • *. *v

7. He knows if God condemns it must be jast^j: " For thy judgxhents are good.'* Man xn&y cohdemf^ ^here thou approvest;■ A*, may approve where " thou condeninest. Thy judgments alone are goott.

8. He concludes, desiring the Lord to look on. the state of his heart: "Behold!" 1. Is nof my heart

-right before theel 3. If tso,' quicken mei make me alive, and keep, me. alive! 'Without the latier, thefor^ m& win answer no end,

Verse 41. Let thy mercies timuH Let me speedily see the accomplishment of- all my prayers r Let* me have thy salvatum—wieh. a deliverance as it faleeomea thy greatness and goodness to impart.. I^ it he etccurding to thy word — ^thy exceeding great and precioue prmnises.*

. Verse 43. • So sludl I have wherewith to answer] Many say; •* My hope iti thy mercy is vsin;** but when thou fulfillest thy promises to me, then shall I answer *to the, confusion of thehr ii^fidelity. '

Verse 43. Take not the word of truth] Gfrant tot the assurances which tjiy prophets have given to the people of approaching deliverance may not M to the ground; let it appear that they have spoken thy mind^ and that thou hast fuUQled their word.

48 My hands also will I lift up UQto ttiy commandments, which I* have loved; and I will ^meditate in thy stdtutes^'

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, tipon which thou hast Caused me to ' hope«

the present bondage, we shall rejoice' in' obedience to thy testimonies; we shall' delight to keep all thy ordinances.

Verse 4e. IwiUspeak — before kin^s] "Dt^JJelcmey supposes that this is spoken in reference to Achish^ king of GdM,'Whom David had instructed' in thd Jewish reli^on; ^ut we have already seen that it is most likely that ibe Psahn was compiled under the Babylonish captivity. But the words may with more propriety^ be Tsferrjed to the ease of Daniel, and other bold and fiuthAil Israelites, Who spokd courageously before Nebuchadnezzar, BeUhazzar, KSk^Dariiu, ' See the books of Daniel^ EzrOj and Nehemiah, '

Verse 47. Thy cammimdmenU^ which I kaoe l<Pved.] O shame to Christians who feel so little affection. to the Oospel of Christ, when we see..8no^ odrdial, oonsciontious, and inviolate attachment an a Jew to the laws sad ordinances of ^oftes,' tliat did not^aflbrd ^ thoja- •anddi part of the privileges! ^;.

Verse, 48. My hands dUo wiU I lifijup\ I Will pre- 'aept-eydry victim and sacrifice Which the Law requires. I^will niake prayer and supplication'before th^, lifting. qp hely handff without w^it^ and doubting. I

The psalmist prays for mercy ^ and promlaea'to show)4b thankfulness tisQ ways: —

I^ By a bold confession of God'slaw... JI, By holy obedience to it.

The* whole section consists of. two petitions andiix promises.

. I. t. First petition, « Let thy mercies come also unto me-^i-even thy salvation." He joins th^se two; mercy znd salvation, as cause uikd effect; for God's VHfircy t»n alone bring salvation,

1. He vows to confess God?8 law, and answer any adversary who may say, ♦* It is yain ^r him to^-ltope in the Lord,*' by showing that God has fulfilled his word,

2; That he MoiU jmt his trust in Qodf because he 'i» omnipotent. and merciful., n. The second petition is, "Take not the word of •. HuthF utterly out of my mouth.'* ForwMch he gives »/e930B; >♦ J have, hoped in thy judgments.'*

1. " Take not thy word," in which J boasl and glory befiwre my adyersanea.

50 This is ix^'^ comfort in my affliction: &r thy word hath. quickened, me..

51. The proud liave had nie greatly ^m derision: yet have. I not ^declined -'from thy law.

52-1 remembered thy judgments of old, 0 Lord; * and have comforted myaelf.

53 ^ Horror hath taken hold upon riie^ because of the wicked ^hat forsake thy. law.

54 Thy statutes have been mysoiigs in the house of my pilgrimage.

2. " Take not Hhe word out of my mgath," «> that I dare not speak nor openly profeto it.

3. ** Take it not away utterly." If for my.onihidi- Ifdnesa thon ahouldst shnt my mouth for a tiifie, jestore thy fkfdnr to me^ that I may again make eonfeaaKm nnto aalTation. '

^ 4. For which he gives this reason-c ^' I hare hoped,'* &e, I trust in thy fidelity apd.justice, that thou wilt ' accomplish, in promises and tkreateningSf wbatsoerei thou hast engaged to perfoim.

II. Now he shows his thankfidness by -determining to 'make confession of God's mercy iii a holy life;' serving God. • •.. •

*9. With. a ioosene'd tongue: ^J will vpesk of thy testimonies also before- kings." It in a difficult thing, to speak to great teen eonceriiing their salvation }. it ^ requires great boldness; and equal humUUy, • Rudeness under the guise of zeal, spoils every gooii.

3. With hearty affection: " I will'delight n^yself." He 1^0 can delight in his duty has-madd considenUe progreto in/»i«l^.'

4. With corresponding practice: '^ My hands will I lift upi" My life shall declare that I have not received the grace of God in' vain.

£». With a considerate mind: *'I will meditate {n thy statutes." My understanding shall fre^o^tly ez^ amine them^ approve of them, and turn them over -to a heart full of fervent affection^,

6. This was a vvork to which he was aequtamad: " I have loyed thy commandments and statutes.'* Lov^ feels' no loads, ited. habit is a second nature. V

Ver^ 119. Remember the word] Thou hast 'ppomised to redeem us from our captivity; on that word we have built our hope, Remember that thou hast tins promised, and ^eethat we thus hope.

Verse 60. This is my comforl] While oiduring our harsh' captivity, we anticipated our enlargement; and thy word of promise was the means of keeping Our souls edive, y era^ fi 1.- The proud have had me] We have been treated, not only with oppressive cruelty, but.also vrith contempt, because we still professed to trust in thee, thQ lining God, who beciuifle.of our transgressions b«ds|

57 ^ Thou art niy portion, 0 Lord: I* have isaidthat I would keep thy words.'

Yerpe 62: I rememhertd thy judgiherUs of did] The word judgments is here taken for providential detding; and indeed kind treatment; that which God showed to the HelNr^ws in bearing with and blessing them. Abd it was the recollectibn. of these judgments^ that caused lum to comfort himself. ' *.

- Verse 53. Horror' hath taken hold upon me] ' The. ^ord rroySl ^niaphahj which we render horror, b thouj^ht to signify the pestilential burning wind cdled by tfie Arabs vimoom. Here it strongly raai^ the idea that ihe'psahnist had of the destructire nature.-of im; -if is' pestilential; it is corrnpUng« mortal.

Verse.54. Thy statutes Have been my songs] Dnridg our captivity all our consolation ^as deriyed from sipging thy praises, and chanting among our fellowncaptiyes portions of thy law, and the precepts it contains.

Verse 55. / havfi remembered thy name] Thou art Jehovah; and as oCr GodXhou hiast made thyself known, unto us. In the deepest night of. our'aMictton |his has* consoled me., - ^

.; Verse 56. This I had, because I kept thy precepts,] Tho!Ugh thou didst le&ve us under ihe power of our enemies, yet thou liast not left us without ther consolations of thy Spirit. ' ^

In this part the psalmist^

III. Commends the word of 'God, by showing what blessed effects it had produced in him.'

I. 1. He prays: ** Remembei*;*! accomplish and perfect thy promise. God's piromises aro made to'prayer an4 faith; if men do not exert these, God will hot ful>- fil die others.

2.* " Made to thy servant:* The promises are made Uk. the obedient. It is in vain to desire God to remember his promises made to ttf, if we make no conscience to perform our promises made to him,

3. ** Wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust «"

This is a forcible argument to induce God to fulfil his

promises.. They. are thy promiseis; thou hast made

. them to u^; and thou hast caused us to hope^ because.

Blade by thee^ that they shall be fulfilled.

il. He shows, that the hope he had in jGrod made hini st^dy, even in afflictions.

1. « This is my comfort in affliction:" That is, God's word and promise.

3. ^ Thy word hath quickened me;" brought me lifey strength, and courage,

3* He mentions his afi31ctions. 1. The proud Have

58 1 entreat^ jhy 'favour with my whote heart: be merciful unto me ^Nuxording to thy word. • / '

69 I > thought ^n- my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testiflipnies., *',

60 I -made baste, and delayed not to keep thy commandinents.

had me in derision. 3. Yet I have not declined from thy law. 8. For' in my afflictions I' remembered thy jndginenUr; his casting down the proud sind exalting the humble. And, 4. From these, considerations he derived comfort.. *

III. His kpowledge of 'God*s. purity and judgments caused him io commiserate the state of the wicked.

•1. " B[orfor hath taken hold upon me:" For those wHo trampled under foot God's word, and persecuted the righteoiis, fie grieved; ndt becwse of. the evil they did him, but of the evil tiiey did themselves. fi[e de!^ Scribes ihoke men. '.

3. $te was not without consolation, though much -afflicted and harassed. He took delight in.God's W> Aad raadQ his songs of it.

: 4. And this was a «6urce of joy to him both day and nigfht.

5'. ^e concludeis with this acclamation: " This I had;" I had this ^irit, this power, this comfort, "because I kept thy precepts." "V^ile I suffered for Goi; I was enabled to; irejoice in God. As 1 made him my portion,^ sd; he has been my praise.

Verse.67« Thou 9Jt my poriiofi, O Lord] From the fifty^e^ewth to the sixtieth verse may be seen the pro- ^reji'of *the work of grape on the human Heait, from the first dawn of heavenly light till the soul is fiHed with the fulness of God. But^ I consider this Psalm as notes selected from diaries ofpast experience, formed at different times; and that the anther has been obliged; for the support of his acrostic plan, to interchange cur* cuntstances, putting that sometimes' ^Aiiuf which in th^ order of ggice comes before; becahse, to pur it in its right phiee; the letters yioxAA not accord with -the -a/-i f^betical arrangement; I shall therefore follow. what.1 oonceiie to be its order ip* the eonbexion of^ grace, and not in the order in which the words are hertf IM down.. ■ * ■ • •.

Verse 69'. Fibst. — I thought on my ways] 'naBrrt chashabti,! deeply pondered them; I turned them np" Meriasm; I viewed my conduct on nil sides. The word, as used here, is a metaphor taken from-^m^rM^ daring, where, tho figure must i^ypear the same on the one side as it does on the other; therefore, t^e cloth must be turned on each- iride every time the needle is. set in, to see that the stitch be fiirly set. Thus narrowly and scnipulottsly did the' psalmist ekamine his conduct; and the result was, a deep.convictionlhal he had departed from this'way of God and truth..

Stcojmur.^And turned my feet unto thy iestimo^ nies,] Having made the above diavovery) and finding

61 The ^bfiiids'of the ^pncked have robbed iQe. but I hapfre not forgottea thy law.

62 *' At midnight I will rise to give thanlcs unto thee,.heca\i8e of thy riglrteous judgments.

himself under the displeamre of God, he.* abandoned every evil way, took (rod's word JTor his directory, and set out fairly in the way of life and salvatioa,

Verse 60. Thihdlt. — J made ha^te^ and delayed no£\ He Bid this with^ the utmost ^peed; and 4id not trifle with his convictions, nor seek to drown the.^oice of t)«n8cience. **

The original word, Which we translate deUtyed nqt^ is an^azipgly emphatical. ^nnononn K^l velo hithnktJi-\ moA/i, I did not stafid what-iohat-whating; ttr, as ^e used to express the same sentiment, -shiUy-^hallyipg with myself; I was deteHnined^ and so set out. The Hebrew word,.«s well as the English, stronn^y marksindecision of tnind^ positive aoftion Being suspended, he* cause the mind is so unfixed as not to Ue aUe to makea choice., -. "

Verse 58." Fourthly. — ^Bemg determined. in his heart, he tells ub, I entreated ffiy favour,with iny whole heart, Jle found he had sinned; that he needed mercy; that he had no time to lose; that he must be importunate; and therefore he spughrthat mercy toith all his soul,

) Fifthly. — FeeUng that ItB- deserved nothing -but wrath, that he had np right to any •good, he. cries fii^r mercy in the way that <>od had promised to convey it: ^\ Be meroiihl onto* me!" • And to this he is. encouraged only by the promise of Ood; and ^therefore yt^j^ " Be merciful unto me aocordino to thy Vord."

Verse. 67. SizrHtY. — ^To keep himself Arm in his present resohitfams, he binds himself unto the Lord: **I have said that I would keep thy words.^ Thy vdwf ve^QpQQ me, and I mqatmotadd to my * guilt hy breaking them.

Srybnthly. — He did not seek' ill' Yain;' God reveals himself in the/folness 6t blessedness to' him,, so that ' he is*epabledtoexclahn, Thou cart my portion^ Ol^brdl My whole soul trusts in.thee; my spirit rests supremely satisfied 'with thee. I have no oihdr inheritance, nor do I desire any. Here then is the way tp seek, thB tpoy. to jfind^ anc] tiie way to be happy. Other. dffeots of this conversion may be seen below.

> VArsfe 6\. The. bands of the wicked have rtbbed me\ hyr^ xheUey)>ik^ cables, cords, or snares of the wick^. They have hunted us like wild beasts; many they 6ive taken for proy, and many they have destroyed..Verse 63. Ai midnight I will rise] We are so overpowered with. a sense of thy goodness, that in* season and. oaf of season we will return thee thanks.

Verse 63. / am a companion} This was the natural consequence^ of his 40wn conversion; he abandoned the werkeirs of miqiiity, sad associated with them that foared the Lord, 'r:..

Verse 64. J^e earth is fuU of thy mercy] What -an RStoniihing opeiration has the grace.of God! In the tnidst of want, poverty, afiiction.f and bondage, it makes those who possess it ktLppjl Vi^en Chnst dwells in tike heart by fiuUii we have nodiisg but goodness 61«

63 I am a companion of aU them that fear thee, and of them that. keep thy precepts.

around us.. Others may com''p)ain; but to oa even the earth appears full of the metcj of the Ijod,

Analysis of LirrBB Chkth. — Eighth Division.

In this part we have-^

I. The asserSpn of the psalmist, that 06^ was his 'portion i and' his resolution upon it to keep God*s law.

II, "R^B. prayer for grace to enable him to do-iL in. Rv^ profession o£ duly ^^ Sk holy Ufe:

' tV'. His concluding acclamation apd prayer.: I. ** Thoii «rt my portion i*' liet others chooee ss they please, thou art sufficient foxm^i I ask no mote.

1. And oi» this I resolve to be thy obedient servant: '< I liave saidr^that X woiUd keep thy • ^erds.*'

9.. But thou'knowest I am unable without thy giaee to do this; therefore 1 must entreat thy favour: ** Be merciful unto me.*' There are three helps to a godly life^ all which we me^t here, viz.: — r ', h Determindlion. • This makes a man begin well: "I l^ve.said."

3. Considerdtiak.. This makes m maih when ha errs, cohte ^ocil.to the way again.- ^

II. He was ready to co-operate with giaea: '*^i haVe thcraght on my ways." If we. be not woikHis.with God, vaip are our. prayers.- Two things mm9 m^ quired of -us: 'l.- Aversion from ^vih '.&. ' Catmerriom to good. Both must meet together.

2. Conversion to good:-*^ I turned' my feel uato thy testimonies.",

III. And his riaeerity is sh'dwn many ways':—

3. By his courage Bnd constancy, Thog^ he was plundered, for his adherence to God, by the bands of the wiched, yet he did not forget God's law, \

8. By his fervour about it. H^ was alwiys employed in the work; and would rather take something fromr his natural rest, than not gratify hi^ hunger and thirst after righteousness: *'At midnight I ^ will nse to give thanks." *

4'. By selecting ^his company, " He who. wdks with the lame will learn to limp:" therefore, avoiding the society of the wicked, he seeks the company of them that fear the "Lord and keep his precepts,

TV. He.concludes with an acc/ama/toe and /wioytfr, 1. **The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy.* There is not a crentnre -that is not a partaker of thy goodness; let me have ray portion in it.

9. ** Teach me thy statutes." Thit is, continue to instruct me. I need constant teachin^r* line upon line, and precept upon 'precept. Teach thou, and I will

^ learn; and as I learn from thy teaching, I will prfe? tise l^ thy grace.

65 ^hou hast dealt well with ihy servant, O LoRl^ accOTding unto thy word.

66 Teacfh me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Uiy coounandments.

Terse 65. Thcu hast dealt well with thy scrjfojitl] Whatadever thy word h^ promised, thou hast fttiEllfid- Bverj servant of 0(fd can testify that £rod has <!one Inm^thingbat good, and therefore he can speak good^ of his name.

Terse 60. Teach the good judgment and knowltdgt] ^yirh njni uy\Q 310 tob tadm vedatith lammedenL Teach trie (to have) a good taste and diieemmeni., Let me see and know th^ importance of Divine thtn^', and give me a relish for them.

Terse 67. Before I was afflicted I went astray]^ Many have been hnmbl^ under afflictioil, and taught to know then^seWes and, hnmble themselves before God, that probaMy without Uiiaeould nevpr havig been aavetl: after thi^, they have been serions and faithfuL J^iction sanctified is a 'great jessing; tinsacctifiedf it is an additioifai cfirse:

Terse 68. Thou art good] And becanse thoa arf good, thou doest good; and becanse thoa deligbteat to do good, teach me thy statutes.

' Terse 69. The proud have forged a lie] Tlie poor e^>tives in Babylon had their conduct and motives eontinually misrepresented, and theknsplves belied and calomniated.

^Terse 70. ':Their heart is as fat di,gre^ ' They a|xe eg^giously stupid, they have fed themselves with- •ot fear;. they are become flesh — hrutalizedj and given over to vile affections,' and haie no-lcind of ^ spiritual fidish: but / delight in thy law — -I have, through thy goodness, a spiritual feeling and a spiritual appetite.

Terse 71..It in good for me that I have been af JHcted] See' on ver. 67.

Terse 72. The law of thy mfmth is better] Who etfi s^ thisi' Who prefers the law of his God, the Christ that bought him, and the heaven to which he hopes' to go, when he can five no longer upon earth, tp thousands of gold and silver t Yea, bow txiany Ve 'tiiere who, like Judas, sell their Saviour even, for Mriy pieces of silver t Hear this, ye lovers of the world and of mbney!

As the letter t9 teth begins but few words, not finHjy faf ^ Hebrew language, there is less variety tinder tUa division than under any of the preceding.

I. How gracioQsly God dealt with him, in brtnging '

him profitably through it. ' I

69 The pfoud, haite "^forgpsd'a lie against me: brit I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart

71 * lit is good fOT me that I have beea afUkted; that I might learn ihy &tatutes»

72 ^ The liw,o£ thy mouth is better linto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Jl. EraysVor a right judgment and knowledge.

h The psahnist giv^ thanks for mercy granted in affliction. •. '

1. '* Thoa hast dealt graoioosly with thy^ servant.'^ GriM^ioueily in afflicting him, and graciously in relieving him. -. *•.

13, Aad tbia- thou hast done ''aoeor^g'tb'thy word.''^ Thoja hast fulfilled thy promise,

IL Ha^prays to be taught of Ood: —

1. '\Teach me good judgment.**. Many judgebadly; for they think that affliction is a ^ign of God^s dis; pleasure. I^et me have that gopd judgment' that receives it as a«ialfaarly correctipn frpm thee.

3: He askii for science and knowledge, A spiritual pe^eptioik, and taste for heavenly things.

d. For this'he gives his reason: f* I have believed thy commandments.'* IT' we believe not God, we can* not profit by his wordv

4. There is something remarkable ia the manner of asking: 1. A', good or sound j%dgment. 3. Knou*. ledge; for* without % sound ju^gmentf knowledge is of no use. • '. -.

1. "■ Before I ^firas -afflicted.** ProepeHty is ojflen the mother oC error.

IV. Much of the pSabniBt*s tffliction proceeded from wicked men. These he desoribea.i-r-..'-

I. They were proud. Pride is the mother of re* Aelliont both against Ood and man*

.2, They were tiars. ''Evil speaking and ealunmy are the first w^pons of persecutors.

3. Tfaey'/<M^^ these Hss; they invented them. There was none ready to their band, so they framed some to serve their parpotfd.'

4. The psalmist oppofes Ihem with kumiliiy abd lr«lA.* ''I will keep thy p^epepts.'*

5. He shows ntore particularly their moral character: ^^ Their heart was ss fat as.grease;** they.were siupidt brutish, hoggish^ Their god Was their beliy, 1, Because they abounded in wealth, tney ware proud.

73 v'' Thy hands have made me and fashipnecl me': * givd mq understanding, that I may leam thy commandmepits.,.. -

• 74 y They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because ■ I have hoped in thy word.

2, Because tHey pampered tKems^l^es, tlfey welre stupidi and incapable of moral fueling,.I^b^ /aMs^the least sensible part o^ the animal system. ' ' y. He'-ihovrs the candUian of the godly^ ' 1. They see God's hand in their, afflictions. -

3. They learn his statutes.

3« 'They; prefer his word to all eSilhly treasures; and, '.

4. They persere^ in this heavenly disposition', be*- canto they continue to depend on God.

Verse 75. I know — that.thy judgihents are ^ht] All the dispensations of thy providence aice laid -in wisdom, and eitecuted in* mffrcy:- let me see -that it is through this wisdom aAd mercy th^t I bi^ve been afflicted.. *' •.

Verse 76. *7%y mercifld kindness^ ' IiCt me derive my comfort and happiness from a difiiision of thjt lovb and mercy, '*pbn chasdecha, thy etuberant goodness, through my sonl.

. \eT8A77.. JLet thy tender-mercies'] yi39Ti rachameycha, thy fatherly and affectionaie feeling^.

Verse 78. Let thcftroud he Ushdmed] To reduce a proud man to shame," i/i ta'humble Kim' ind^. Let them' he confounded. Without cause — ^without any cjolourable pretext, have they'per9ecnted'me.

Turn unto me] Seeing -thy work upon me, they shall acknowledge me a^ i^ tfrpnd pttidted from the burning.. -. -..^

Verse 80. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes] jLiet it be perfecf—4!\ given up to thee, and all posaased by thee.

77 * Let thy; tender mercies come unto me^' that 1 may live: for • thy law is my delight.

78 Let the proud 'be ashamed; 'for they dealtTperversely with me withoiit a cause: }mt I will ^ meditate in -tlvy precepts.

79 Let thoke that fear thee turn unto- me, and those, that have known thy testimoiliesx

80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

U..He pray^ for underM&hding: Give me keaoetdy light krA influence.. '

in. He pfays for this that he may learn (rod*s cmi^ maridments. This was. His end.

1. He endeavours to persuade God to this, by the benefit that others would receive'firom seeing his conver^sion: " They tha^ fear thee wiU be glad," dice.

9>. He acknowledges /that» if he was. at any time deserted, it was because he vnis unfaithful, and that it was in very faithfulness that God had oorrected him; ther^ore Gdd's Judgments were right*

3. ^Sjd prays that God's mtfrct/W kmdness may.be extended to. him. Bnt thi^ prayer he- would not piesume to have offered, bad hfr ngt 'been aothoniidd and encouraged by God*a word:.** According to thy word." When Grod gives a promise, he binds himselC to fuU flit..

4v He desires to be treated as a child in the keaoenly family; and therefore prays for God's fatAeriy mer' cies — his bowels of compassion. -, -

5. And Ee pray t for them for this end, *<that he mi^ Uve." ' And here also he lulds a' reason why he should be heard:*^ T^y)aw is ray delight. "

6. lie puts up another petition for his enismies, \S' they will take timely warning: <* Let the proud JM ashamed;" let thdm see theii^- unprincipled conduct, and blush that they have been persebjotifl^ and lealiuBniating innocent people.

7. He next expresses his ovm resolution: '* I will mc»ditatejon thy statutes." Howsoever they- deal with me, 'I w^l cleave unto my God!

8» He pra]rs that he -may be' acknowledged by thii godly: '^liCt them that fear thee tura unto me." God's Church, is a communion of saints, and to theoH has God so distributed his graces that one stands in need of another. Where one doubts, the light of an* other may solve his difficulty. One grieves; another may eomfoft him. One is tempted; another may uphold and xestore him. This company th.e psalmistwould have joined to him for these endi^.

.9. He prays that he' may be sound in the faith,' for without this he could not be steady in his obedience, Thongfa an orthodox creed does not* eOQstitQte trao

81 ^ My sout f^inteth for thy salvation: btU ^ I hope in thy word,. -

82 'Mina eyes fail for thy word, saying, When-, wik thou conifort me?..

83 For " I am become like a bottle in ^e unoke)- ye^ do I not forget thy sf^tutes.

84 ^ How many -ore the days of thy servant? 'wliea wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

Religion, yet it is the ba^'of it, and it is a gr^at bless-' ing to haye it; and soundness of mind is t strong help to the. retention o/a sound- creed-.

Fmaliy, he shows the end for which lie desire this Messing, that '^he may not be ashluned." That he may coqtinae sincere aiid upright, have dominion over all sin, give no place to secret iniquities,.an4 that he.may nerer be put to the blush, before.God or man.

Beider, beg of Grod to enable thee to lay these things profitably to heart. v

Verse 81. My sotd faihteth for thy sahation]^ I kave longed so incessantly aft^ thy' saitfotioth-^e eomplete purification and restoration of my soul, that ■qr Tery spirits axe exhausted.

^ My heattstringsL gtoan with deep, complaint; ' ' My soul lies panting, Lord, for th'te \, ^And every limb and every joint - '

Terse 82. Aftne eyes fdil\ With lomHng up for tbe fulfilment of thy promise, as my heart falb in long- • ing after thy presence.

Veis^ 83. Like a bottle in the smoke] In the eastera countries their bottles are made of skins; one of these hung in the smoke must soon be parched and shriveUed up. This represents the ezhauHted state of li]9 body and mind by long bodily auction and mental diMTess.. '.

Verse 84.* Hoi6 many are the days of4hy servitnt^ Bofft thou not know that I have few to liv.e,.and they ^K full of trouble 1

When wilt thou execute judgment on ihem thatper^ Macule me f] Shall not the pride of the.Chkldea(te be brought down, the arm of their strength broken, and ihy people delivered 1 In this verse there is none of the ten, words used in reference to God's law.

Verse 85. The proud have digged pits] Th&^Vulgaie, Septuagint, JEthiopic, and Arabidf translate thTs ▼erse thus: '* Thcfy have recited to m6 uflholy fables, which Xre not according to thy law." They' wish us to receive their system of idolatry^ and the tales coneeniing their gods; but these are not according to thy taw. Th6 Anglo-Saxon is the same: pi cyt$oh m« >a dnjurpira rpellun^a ac na. fpa ]*pa d)nn; -They quothed me the unrightwise spells; but no so so law thine,

85 p The proud haye digged pits for;me^ which ore not after.thy law.

86 All thy commandmenta are •'^ faithful: ' they persecute me ' wr^ngf^lly; help thou m6."... '. •

87 They had almost consumed meugoii earth; but J forsook not thy precepts.

88 * Quicken me after thy loving-kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. '^.,

not been for thy mercy, we had all been destroyed under *this oppressive captivity. '

So 'shdU I keep} Without the spiritual life th^re is no obedience; we must therefore rise from the dend^ and he ^ickehed by the Spirit of -Christ. '

I. In this section the psahmst l^eots.his being grieved with sohie inward anguish. * '

II. Complains of his enemies.* •..

III. Expresses his hope and. constancy; and, t TVs Prays to God for comfort- and gracel

1. 1. He beTgins with a sad complaint: '^My sOul &ihteth.'' As the' b(^y w^l fkil if.it want natural food, so will'^he soul if it get not the bread of life.

• 2. His eyes also fkiled with looking up. The blessing was long delayed.

3. Yet he hoped in, God's ^oord. He knew that it would not /all.

4. He made comp]a^A4 ^' Wheifwilt thou comfort m^ V^ ^ 5. HiJB stBite was most deplorable; his hodj' dried and shrivelled up through long fasting and qffltction^ so that it resembled a leathern bottle hung tip in the^ smpke,

6. Yet still he continued faithfiil: ^I do t^rt forget thy statutes." '

II. He complains agamst his enemies.

' 1. How long he should be obliged to suffer them. '

2. He inquires " When the Lord will execute judgments-.*'. «'. ' ' "

He describes these eneibies from their qualities r— 1. They were proud.^ They Would not bow down no nor acknowledge 6rbd.

3. Tliey were treacherous, * They digged pits for him — used' every tcind of m^anp. in order to destroy him; cruel, treacherous, and cowar^y.

3. They were impious. In heart and conduct ttiey were not "according to God's law.." •

4. They acted without z,.shadow of justice; wrong" ' fuily against law and justice.

rV. 1. He closes with a frequent petition: ** Quicken thou me— make me alive." AH true religion consistt ■in the life of God,iB the soul' o/" man.

% 1 They continue- this dfty abcording ta

S. The mavner iii which lie wishes to be qdiokened: •'After thy loving-kindness.*'' He wishes'. not to be raised from ihe death of sin by GoeTs iKundeti but by the loting voice of a tender Father.

. 3. The effect it should haice upon him: << SojBhall J keep the testimony of thy moutU.'' Whatever t^ou speahest I. will hear^ receive, love, and obejf,^

Verse 89. For ever, O Lord, thy'toord is settled in iieaven.] Thy purposes are all settled ab6ve» and they, shall all be fulfilled-, below.

Verse 90. Thy faithfulness] Tha^ wfiioh binds thee to siccoraplish the promise made. And this sh^l be, not for an age m^ely, b^t.from ^en^ation to generation; for thy promises refer td the whole duration of time..

Thou hast estahlished the earth] Thou hast givei it its appointed place in tlie system, and there it abideth.

V'erseOl. They continue this day].This xerse should be thus rea4: Allare-tiy serijants; therefore, they Qsntinu^ this day accordif^'g to- thy ordinances. /'All the cdestial bodies are govpmed k$ thy^oWer. Thoti* hast given, an * ordinance or appointo^ept to. leach, and each fulfils thy will in the place thou liast assigne4 it.'*

Verse 92. Unless My /ato had been niy delights] Had we not ha^^the consolations of religion^ we'should long ago have died of a broken heart.

Verse 94. /^am thine, ^sjOve me]; He who can say this need fear no evU. In '.all trials, temptations, dangers, afflictions, pef&efeutions, 1 ^m thine. TJiy ene-. mjes wish to destroy me! Lord, loot to thy ^servant; thy Benrant looks to thee. 0 how sovereign is fuch a word, against aU the'evHs of life! I am thimb! therefore tfavtf Mine OWN!,

Vers^ 96. / have seen an end of all perfection] Literally, -'«VOr all consummations J have seen the end:" as if one should say. Every thing of humim •origin has its limits and. end, howspever extensive, Q6ble, aQd excellent. All arts and sciences, languages, inveniipns, have their respective principles, have their limits' and end; as they c^me from man, and relate to man, they shall end with man: but thy law, thy revelation, which is a picture of thy own mind, an external manifestation Of thy ewn perfections, conceived in thy infinite ideas, ip reference to eternal objects, is exceeding broad ^, transcends the limits of

95 The 'wicked have waited for m^' to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 '^ I have' seen an end of all perfectioB: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

crestioii; and extends illimitaUy into eternity! This has beep explained as if it mean^; All the real or pretended perfection that men oanamve at in Ihii life if; nothing when compared with what the law of God requires. ^. This saying ia false in itself, andis no meaning of ^e text. Whatever God requfres of hub he can, by his. grace, work in man.

AnALTSis OF Lwrttii Lamed. — Twelfth Divitum. This section eoAtains an encomium of the WpiD of God:; of its perfection and immutability;,and of tfaa comfort the psalmist received from it. ^,

I. In the three first verses the psalmist 'shows that God> word is immuttlble, by an instance in ttecrrafurei. • i. In the HEAVENS. The^ continue to this da^u he made them in the^beginnihg.

' 3^ In the eartb. As it was estaldisked in the lie* ginning, so it abideth. '

3. So also. -of the other heavenly bodies..Tley also abide* B^ they were created; a^d a^isw^r still,. most exactly, the ends lor which they were made. '

' 4. The ^reason of which is, ••All- are God's servants,^ made to obey his will / and from obedience they nev^r swerve.-

II. He sh9ws the excellence of this woitl by a raf^ ' effect i^ had on himself: *' Unless thy law bad been my delight, I should have periBlied.J* No suc|i conifort in trouble as God*8 word aiid promise. This lie remembers with gratitude.

1.' '* I will never forget thy prQcepts." Only those forget -them who reap no good from ibem.

9/ This word had quickened him\ i. e., God speaking and working by that word.

3. He will therefore be the Lord*s servant for ever: ** I Vn thijie.^'

- ' 4. ' He kndws he cannot continue so but by Divine help: "Saveine!';

5. He shows his loye to God^ word: ** He tfi^ his preceptSf"" that he may obey. them.. ni. He needed the help of God, because "he had inveterate enemies. These he descries:

1. By their diligence,: '^'The wicked have Waited for me.*',.,.

. 2. By their cruelty: " They waited to destroy ine."

3. ^is defence against them. I will consider, pnnK ethbonen, t will set myself to consider. ^ I will, use all proper means to enable me to understand tliem.

IV. Having sh6wn the perfection of God's word,—

1. In esJtablishin^ and upholding the frame qf thi worii.

^ 98 Thqu through thy commandmeuts liast made me ** wiser than mine enemies: for ®they,.are- ever with me.

^9 I have more understanding than all my teachers: ^ for xhy testimonies are my medication. '. -

— ^«Heb. if is net wiUi me. Job zxxii. If 8, 9.

9. In hiinging comfort to the soul. In the close,. ' 3. He compares it to all other things Which we^ ■ •rteem as excellerd and perfectf^^-riches^ A<mm(r«, crowns f sceptres, kingdoins, &c., over which Ihe word oflGrod has still the pre-eminence; they perish, bat it eiidni^ for ever: '*! 'have seen an end of all perle^on." '^ Jonah^s gourd was smitten by a worm;- the gMen head had feet of clay; the most beautiful form ■baU dissolve into du^ti BabyUm^ the wonder 'of. the world, has perished from the face of the ettrth; the fMiest day i& succeeded by midnight; an(| so of other things: " but the commandmeht is Qxc6eding bre|id:" aD the principles of justice tire contained in it; no jnst BOtioii of God without it; all the rules of a holy life, and all the promises of life eternal, are found in ik It is the word of God, and it endoreth fo|[.ever. When Ihe heavens and the ^arth are no more, this wotd shall I up' and flourish., •

Verse 97. O how love I thy Uno] This is. ope of the strongest marks of a gracious and pious heart, cast ia the mould of obedience. Such love the precepts of Christ: in his commandments they delist; and this deliglit is' shown by their making them freguent flobjects of their meditation.

^ Verse -98. Wiser than mine enemies] Some hav« Ihonght that this Psalm yrvLS composed by Dariiel, and ihtX he speaks of himself in these verses. - BeiAg iaitnwted by God, he was found to have more knowledge t&«n any of the Chaldeaiis, magicians,' soo^isayers, Mo^ &c.; and his wisdom soon appeared to the whole aaiioa vastly superior to theirs.

Verse 99. / nave more understanding than all my feachers] As he had entered into the spiritual nature 9i the law of God, and saw into the exceeding breadth.of the commandment,- he soon became vnser thain any of the priests or even prdphets who instructed him*

Verse 100. / understand more than the ancients'] S3t^ had revealed to him more of that hidden- wisdom i^ch was in his law. than he had done to any of his pradeoessora. And this was most literaUy true of Dmndy who spoke more fully about Christ than any who tiad gone before him; or, indeed, followed after liim; His compositions are, I had almost taid, a suh' thne Gospel.

Verse 101. I have refrained my feet] By avoiding all sin, the spirit of wisdom' still continues to rest QpoB me. ' \

lOK) *I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101 I have ' refraiitied' my feet from every evil way, that L might keep thy word.

1 oaf I have nbt departed -from thy judgments:. for thou hast taught me.

103 >How sweet are thy words Ainto my ^ ta^te! y«a, sweeter than honey to my mouth \

104 Through -thy.precepts -I get understanding: therefore *'I bate eyejy false way.

' V^se' 103. Sweeter than honey to' niy mmUh!] What deep- cbnununion must thi^' man have^ had with his Maker'! These, expressions -shoinr a soul filled with God. O Chnstiand, how vastly superior are onr privilegei!. and, alajs! how vastly inferior, in general, are our consolations, oxA communion with^ God, and our heavenly-mind^dhess! -

Verse 104< Through. iky precepts I get understanding] Spiritual knowledge increase i^hile W9 ^ead in the path ot obedience. Obedience is the gf^nd means' df growth aifli insfriiftioi. Obedience. trades with the talent of grace, and thus grace becomes multiplied. •

In this Avision we see, —

1. The afiectioa of the pcEdmist to the.law of'God. II. The,g[reat benefits he derived from it. "^

I.. 1. *' 6 how I love thy law.*' God alone knows how great, that love is which I feel.

2. As true love always seeks opportunities of copversing with the beloved object,.Uie psalmist shows his in meditation on God*s law by day and night.

He gives us several encomiums on Gpd^s word: — * l\ The wisdom he derived from it. It made him wi^er thm his enemies. It taught }iim ho'w to conduct himilblf towards them, so as to disappoint many of their plans, aWl always insure his own peace.

3. It made -him wiser than his teathers. Many, even of the Jewish teachers^ took nppn them to teach that to others which they^.had never learned themselves.. He must have been wiser than these. Many in the present day take upon themselves the character of ministers of Jesus Christ, who have never felt his Gospel, to be the power of God to their salvation. A simple. woman, who is converted to God, and' feels the witness of his Spirit that she is his child,' has a thousand times more, true wisdom than such persons, thoughr they may have learned many languages ah3 many Sciences. «..

3. It made him wiser than the ancients-y-thxa any of the Jewish elders, who had not made that word the subject of their deep study snd meditatibn.

A second- encomium,.' God's word gives power aver sin; *' I have refrained:" and the ' psahnist -Was no speculatist; he was in every respect a practical man.

A third encomium is, the more a oAan resists, evil forbidden by that law, and practises righteousness commanded by it, the stronger he grows. The psalmist

refrained fttfta ttery- emir-way^ that he might keep GotPs word. » - '

Lest any one ^should think that he pretends to. have acquired til these excellenciles by bis own siudiy and industry^ he asserts that he had nbthijig but yirhat he, hadreceiy^d: <' I hare nofe^l^parted,'* &g.; <* for thou ^t taught me." ' ' - * '

II. In the last Verse- he. pn)ves all that he said by the blessed effects of God's word upon Jiimself.

1. He got understanding by it. He became learned, wise, and prudent. '

2. He was. enabled Xo\kate every /a2»« looy— false ^xeligiop, lying ▼anitieft, eiqpty pleasures; and every

thing mat did not tend to •and priefiare /or an ^teroity^ of blessedness.

Verse 105. Thy word 'i^a lamp] This is illustrated thus by S6lor^fhi2 Pr6T. yi. 99: H The commandment is a lamp; tuid the law- is light;- and. reproofs of insiruction are the way of /(/«." God's word is ^ candle which may be held in the hand,to give us jigbt in ^very dark place and chamber; and it is a general light shi? oing upon all Jus works, and upon all our ways.

Verse 106. I^Kaveswom] Perhaps this means no more than that he had renewed hid^rcweAon^ with God; he had bouf^d himself to love^and serve him only.'

Verse 107. Lam affiicted very much] IKD Ij; a4 meod, " to extremity, excessively." We are in the most oppressive captivity.

V,. Verse 109. My soul is continually in my, hand]

1 09.« My soul is continually in my hand; yet do. I not forget thy lai^..

110 'The wicked. have laid a snare forme: yet 1 ^ fenred not from thy precepts..

111.^Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever, i- for » they ate the rejoieiBg of my heart.. ^ *

1 12 I have inclined mine heart ^ td p^ form thy statutes alway, ^ even unto the end.

contmual^daqger and jeopardy. There is aomething like this in Uie speech of A^chiUes to Ulysses f Hok. IL ix^ ver. 322: — -..

, My soul is in thy hand, b the reading of fhe Sj^iae, Septuaginti JEthiopie, mA- Arabic; but this is a ci*- j^ctwfal' an() useless Emendation..

Ve^BO 110. Thti wicked hone, laid a snare] Tk» their lives were continually exposed to danget.

Verse 111. As a hentbge] In ver« 67 he «iji, God ijs. my portion, *pV) <^lkL In ifiii ke says, Tktf testimonies htae I taken as a. heritages SrU tiadUL To these he was heir; he h'ad inherited them hpm hk fathers^ and he was detennined.tb le,ave tkeoi to Ui family fbr ever. If a man can le&ve noting to hk 'child but a JB^e, in that he bequeaths him the grealeit tr^asnve ih the universe.

Verse- J 12. / have inclined mine heari] I used the power God gave me^and turned to his testimonies with all min^ heart. When we work ujith God, we can A^ all things* ' ^ ^

Analvbis of Letter ^uk. —-Fourteenth Division.

In this division the psalmist points out farther ek' celledcies of God's word,* in the use of it 1. God^ woi!d was a lamp to his feet to guide him through every dark place. 2. It was a light to his path, ever sbolring him generally the iftray in whjch he dbould walk>

1. He therefore resolves to keep it, and- binds -himself to fulfil his resolution. As the lamp was gong before,*and the light was shining, it Was necessary that he should walk while the light shone. He therefore, 1. Binds himself by an oath or vow: *^ I have, sworn.** 9. He vnll he faithful to his oath: " I will peifonn ii."

3. Not merely to admire, but to keep God*s wotd.

4. Not its promises merely, but its righteous Judgments.

2. And this he will do in all circumstances, even in extreme affliction. Then he requests two things from the Lord. 1. That he would "accept the fVeewillofferings of his mouth. '^ All his 'praises, thanksgivings, and vows. 2. That he would " teach him his judgments," that he might perform what be had vowed.

, 3, He shows the difficulties he was in: 1. '^My soul is continually in my hand.'*' I am in continual danger. He had got the sword of the f^nrit^ and his

114 *Thou art my hiding place and my shield: ^ I hope in thy wx)rd..

.115 ■ Depart from me, ye evil doers: for I win keep the commandments of my God.

116. Uphold me according unto thy word, (hat I may Hve: and let me oiot * be ashamed of my hope.

lifQ depended on the ose he made of it: if the soldier, who«e 'life depends on his drawn "swordy does not.use it well, bis enemy kilk him. 3. Hence he says, " I do not forget thy law/' 1 am making & proper-use of my STford. 3. And that 1 hare need p/^it is evident, lor "the wicked have laid a share for me.?* 4. This did not intimidate him: he did not leave the path of d^ty for fear of a snarje being in that path: ** 1 erred not from thy precepts.*' I -did pot go about to- seek a M^v way.

4. He keeps his ^resolution, ^d vows still. ' 1. He fRBfenred God's testimonies even to the land of Caiiaan, to xiehes and crowns: "I have taken them for. my koritage.'' 2. He delighted in them:' *< They are the lejoicing of my heart.".

6. In this work be was determined Xo continue: 1. " I have inclined my heart." 'the counsel of the ■onl is like a balance r and. the mind, which hath the coimnanding power over the aQections, inclines the bikifce to that >vhich it judges best. 2..It was to fefform it^ that he thus inclined his heart. 3. And tliis, not for a time^ or on some particular occasion, but alwayr, and unto the end. Then the end of life would bejhe beginning of glory.

- Verse 113., / hate vain thoughts] 1 have hated XyOpO seaphim, " tumultuous, violent men." -I abominate 'all mobs and insurreclionSf and troublers of the public peace.

Yejae 114. My hiding place] My asylum.. ^nd my s,hi€ld] There is a time in which I may be called to suffer in secret; then thou hidest me. TJiere may be a time in which thou callest me to fight; then thoa art my Shield and Protector.

Verse 115. Depart from me] Odi profanum, vulguSf etarceo, I abominate the profane, and will have no communion with them. I (frive them away from my presence.

Verse 117. Hold thou me up] I shall grow weary and faint in the wayt if not strengthened and supported by thee.

Verse 118. Thou ha.tt trodden down] All thy enewill be finally trodden down under thy feet.

118 Thou hast trodden dowil all them that ^err from thy statutes:^ for their deceit, i^ falsehood... "

119 Thou « puttest away all the wieked erf. the earth ^like dross: theisfore llove tky testimonies'.

120 • My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

The wicked often becoine rich ^d gr$at, and jiffect-to be happy, bnt it is all false t they have neither- a cUan nor apprdi/ing conscience. Nor can they have thy ap-. probation; and, consequently,. no ifue blessedness.

Vers9 119. Thou puttest away all the wished of the earth like drops'] There is no,irue metal in -them: wbenr t^ey are t^iod by the refining fire, they are burnt up; they fly off in fumes, and come to no amount. TJiere is probably an allusion hen^ to the sdun or scoria at ' the surface qf melting metals, which is swept off. previously lo casting the.metal into the mould. ^

Therefore I love thy testimonies.] Thy^ testimmies will stand; and thy people will stand; because thou who didst give the one, and who upholdest the other, art pure, immovable, and etemfil.

Verse 130. My fissh trembleth for fear of thee"] I know thou art a just and' holy God: 1 know thou requirest tnfth in the inner parts. 1 know that tbou art a Spirit, and that they who worship thee must worship thee in spirit and intruth; ai}d Vzfn oflen farmed lest I fall lehort. It is only an assurance of my interest in thy mercy that cdn save me from distressing fears arid harassing doubts. It is our privilege to knoV we are in God's favour; and ' it is not less so to maintain a continual filiad fear, of offending him. A 'true conception of God's justice and mercy begets reverence*

Analtsis of Letter Samech. — Fifteenth Division.

in this section the psalmist —

I. Declares his hatred to wickedness, and his detest tation of wicked men.

III. Prays for grac^ to sustain him in the observance of it.

IV. Foretells the destruction of the wicked.

I. *' I hate vain thoughts;" not only evil itself, but the thought that leads to it.

II. 1. " Thy law do I love:"- 1 strive to keep every affection exeiciaed on its proper" object.

■2. This is my privilege: for thou attt, 1. "My hiding-place,** that public evils may not reach me; and 2. "My shiekl," to ward off the fiery darts of the wicked one.

3. To God, therefore, and his word, he tirould adhere in all extremities; and would have no communion with the wicked. 1. These he would rfn'vc away as the pests of piety: " Depart from me." 9. Because he.would "keep, the commandments of God," while the others were bent on breaking them.

121 I Have done judgment and justice: kave me not to mine oppressors*

122 Be ^sarely for thy serf ant for good: let not the proud oppress me*

123 * Mine eyes fail for ihy salvation, and for the word e>f thy rig hte on an ess.

124 Deal with thy seryant according unto thy mercy, and ^ teach me thy statutes.

in. He prays for ib# graa^ of God to sustsdn him.

ia**"IIold thou me up;" for I atn falling. One part of this p raj or js against ttie ^iccurrence of evil j the olber, ag^iinst eyil aa actnaU^ iaking place.

IV. He foreteb the destrnctbo of wicked men.

1. *' Thou hast trodden down:" they who tread My eammandtnenls under iheir ftet shaJl be trodden dm&n under thy feet. The first treading shall bring qn the gecifndl

5, They deceive tfjemBelveB In supposing lli(>ti wilt not resent this. This is a dectplivn^ and a dati^erons one toOf for it is against the ipost positive declarations of thy imth^ therefore it is falsehood.

3* This is most certain^ for " thoa pattest awa^ all the wickdd of the earth lifee dross;'*< they are nitedy file, and of na account in thy sight.

4k *' Therefore! love tliy testimonies.^^ And for this, among other reasons, that I may avoid their judgments*

6. Foreseeing ih^ judgments to fall on the wiclfedi it was nepessai'y that he sbo^dd be flDed with a ^alu* tary /ear, 1, ^* My flesh tremblelh.J* Happy Is be who by other men*s harms learns to be wise. 2. We should work out our salvation with fear and tretiibltng.

' Go^ is holy and just as well as merciful; therefore we sfiould fear before him. 3. Because he saw tho?^ jadgments coming on the wieked,- be desired to be esletblished in God^s holy feur. In al! cases the old proverb is true: J* Too nTuch famiUarliy breeds con* t«mpl."

Terse 121. I hate done judgment and. justice] I have given the best decision possible on every case that came before ine; and I have endeavoured to render to all iUeiT due. ^

Verse \22. Be surety for thy servant] 3lj? uroi, give a pledge or token that thou wilt help me in times of necessity. Of » Be bait for thy servant. What mA.word is this! Pledge thyself for me^ that thou wilt produce me safely at the judgment of the great day. Then sustain and keep m^ blameless till the coming of Christ. Neither of these two verses has any of the ten word^ in reference to God*s laic 5r attrihuies. The Judgment and the justice refer to the psalmtst^s own conduct in ver. 191. Th^ hundred and twenty - second has no word of the kind.

125 ^ Jam thy serrant; give me understandings that I msiy know thy testimoniea.

126 It 11 lime for thee^ Lord, to work, i for they have, made void thy law,

128 Therefore I esteem all thy ppecepis concerning all things to he right; and I ^ hste every false way.

time is fulfilled in «vliich tlfon ttast proinised deliverance to thy [>eople, Thetf-^^'ihe Babylonians,