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GOD ADMIRED IN HIS WORKS
TO man, in this vale of tears, God has opened many sources of happiness; many in his intercourse with his fellow-man, but more and greater in communion with his God. In truth, if it be not his own fault, he may have in a measure the felicity of the Paradisiacal state restored to him: for though, through the weakness of the flesh, “he is in heaviness through manifold temptations,” he has a God to go unto, a God ever at hand, in whom it is his privilege always to rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” says the Apostle; and “again,” he adds, “Rejoice.”
The frame of David’s mind, in the psalm before us, (for we can scarcely doubt but that the composition was his,) being that which we should cultivate, we will consider,
I. The works which he contemplated—
It is probable that the writer of this psalm had primarily in his view the wonders of creation; because the psalm was written for the Sabbath-day [Note: See the title to the Psalm.], which was instituted to commemorate God’s rest from his creating work. Yet, in the body of the psalm, much is spoken respecting the dispensations of God in his providence: and David, whom I consider as the author of it, had experienced the most wonderful interpositions in his behalf; so that, amongst all the children of men, there was not one who had more cause than he to sing of “the loving-kindness and the faithfulness of Jehovah;” of his “loving-kindness,” in selecting him to such high destinies; and his “faithfulness,” in accomplishing to him his promises in their full extent. But the language of my text necessarily leads our minds to that greatest and most stupendous of all God’s works, the work of Redemption—
[This may be treated either in reference to Redemption generally, as wrought out for us by the incarnation, and death, and resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ; or with a special reference to any one of these topics which may be suited to a particular season. But, in whatever way it be treated, the greatness of the work must be the point chiefly insisted on.]
II. His experience in the contemplation of them—
He was filled,
1. With triumphant joy—
[It is not possible to view these wonders of Redeeming Love, and not feel the reasonableness of that command: “Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice [Note: Php_4:4.].” Well does the Psalmist say, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” It is indeed good, at all times [Note: ver. 2.], and in every possible way [Note: ver. 3.]. In this holy exercise should every faculty of our souls be engaged [Note: Psa_103:1.].]
2. With adoring gratitude—
[This, after all, is the fittest expression of our joy. The wonders of God’s love are so stupendous, that all attempts to celebrate them aright must fail; and silence, the profoundest silence, on such a subject, if proceeding from an overwhelming sense of it, may justly be accounted the sublimest eloquence. The Psalmist’s experience was of this kind [Note: ver. 5,]; as were St. Paul’s also, when he exclaimed, “O the depth [Note: Rom_11:33.]!”]
Address—
1. Those who are strangers to this frame—
[Alas! how little is this state of mind experienced by the generality of Christians! and in what humiliating terms is their insensibility described in the words following my text! I would not speak offensively, or wound the feelings of any: but I would ask you, whether David speaks too strongly, when he characterizes such persons as “brutish and fools [Note: ver. 6.]? You well know that the prophets often speak the same language [Note: Isa_1:3 and Jer_8:7.]; and I pray you to repent of your insensibility, that these characters may no longer attach to you.]
2. Those who aspire after it—
[Let your thoughts soar to high and heavenly things; and especially let them be occupied on the works of God, and on his perfections as displayed in the great mystery of Redemption. Surely you shall not long meditate on these things in vain. Your God will cause you to “triumph in Christ Jesus.” But never rest, till you have those overwhelming views of Christ which characterize the worship of heaven. The glorified saints and angels all fall upon their faces before the throne: seek ye the same frame of mind with them; and soon you shall join with them in everlasting hallelujahs to God and to the Lamb.]