thankful is unchristian. True love for God will lead us to seek to glorify Him by a public acknowledgment of His goodness. Thus we shall bless our follow-men.-R. A. B. 1. 3. Ver. 7. I. The loving-kindness of God. Free and sovereign. 2. Rich and varied. Constant and perpetual. II. Its clain upon our acknowledgment. Open. Thankful. Consistent. Exultant. Unwearying. Ver. 8. I. God's anticipations. II. Kindness. III. Disappointment. IV. Unparal leled mercy. I. What God does for His people. IL What He expects from them.-J. Lyth, D.D. THE SYMPATHY OF CHRIST. lxiii. 9. In all their affliction He was afflicted, &c. There is no man so great as not to need at some season or other the sympathy of his friend, &c. If human sympathy be so valuable how much more Divine, &c. Christ once suffered for us, He always suffers with us, &c. We have here I. HUMAN CALAMITY SUPPOSED. The text supposes that affliction may be great, sorrow upon sorrow, that we are unable to endure the pressure of grief alone, and that adequate occasions for God's special interference may frequently occur. This was the case with the Church in captivity, &c. Human calamity is the same thing still, &c. There is an awful reality in grief, which, like an overwhelming burden, crushes the spirit and overpowers the resources, &c. Or the human mind may be burdened with the sense of guilt, personal afflictions, bereavements, &c. Who can hush the grief and afford adequate relief under all the sorrows and calamities of life. There is but One in the universe can do it, and to Him the text points. II. DIVINE COMPASSION EXPRESSED. 1. His compassion is most real and perfect. He is afflicted with the afflictions of His people. His sympathy is no imaginary consolation. He ascended in the nature in which He suffered. He knows by experience the nature of human trial, and can meet the exigency alike of real and groundless alarm, &c. 2. His aid is exerted in the most seasonable time. In His interpositions there is never any unnecessary or fatal delay. There is an ineffable kindness in His dispensations which cannot be mistaken. 4. Constant and unchangeable. 3. CONCLUSION. - 1. Ascertain your title to His peculiar sympathy. Carry your griefs to Him. He is engaged to relieve all the trouble, and forgive all the guilt that is brought to Him. 3. Acknowledge your past obligations. 4. Be a saviour to others (2 Cor. i. 3). Samuel Thodey. I. Divine sympathy. II. Interposition. III. Love. IV. Care.-Dr. Lyth. THE FRIEND TURNED INTO AN ENEMY. lxiii. 10. But they rebelled, and grieved His Holy Spirit, &c. How sad is the change described in these words. If it were the heathen, unprivileged and unenlightened, of whom this was spoken, it would not be so surprising, but that it should be said of Israel with all their advantages that they rebelled," &c., does seem surprising (vers. 8, 9). Are we indignant at such ingratitude? May we not have cause to turn our indignation against ourselves? The history of Israel, the mercies of which are here recounted, is a mirror in which we may see ourselves. Our privileges are even greater than theirs, and cor respondingly greater is the guilt of our rebellion. I. The surprising change in God's people in their bearing toward Him. Even they rebelled against Him, and grieved His Spirit. The Old Testa ment Church had a real though limited dispensation of the Spirit. Christ in now glorified, and He is given in more abundant measure (John vii. 39). He is said to be grieved (Eph. iv. 30), resisted (Acts vii. 51), quenched (1 Thess. v. 19). But how can a Divine person suffer grief? As the revealer of truth He is grieved by unbelief and ignorance; as the Spirit of holiness, by all impurity; as the Spirit of love, by selfishness and ingratitude. Look at some of the features of this rebellion. How are we to account for this surprising change, and what is involved in this shameful backsliding 1. Distrust and alienation of heart. Open rebellion arises from secret disloyalty. In the case of Israel, we find them turning back in heart to Egypt, and murmuring against God, &c. How prone we are to revert to former sources of carnal gratification! Another fruitful source of defection in Israel was the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Prevailing customs have a power to drag us down, to unhinge our reliance on God, and to instigate the spirit of rebellion. Against both these influences let us be on our guard. Beware of every insidious influence that would tamper with your loyalty and trust. 2. The influences of the Spirit are resisted. All who live under the Gospel are subjects in some measure of these influences. He awakens, &c. But these alarms do not always issue in conversion. Souls thus roused begin to resist the Spirit, &c. But even God's people may sadly wound and grieve the Spirit by opposing His gracious work, and by the coldness and deadness of their hearts. 3. As Israel murmured against Moses, so in our rebellion we despise Christ our deliverer. It is the Spirit's work to reveal Christ (John xvi. 13, 14). He is glorified in the homage paid to Christ. Whatever, then, obscures the glory and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, or is proposed as a substitute for it, must grieve the Spirit. 4. Neglect of the means of grace. The Word of God is from the Holy Spirit, and is used by Him as an instrument in all His gracious operations on the hearts of men. To trifle with the word of revelation, to neglect or despise it is to dishonour its Author. We cannot respect the physician whose medicines we refuse to take. II. The consequent change in God's bearing toward His people. This does not imply any real change in God. The change is in His people who have revolted against Him. He is as much their loving Father now when He shows himself their enemy, as before when He showed himself their friend. If we take part with His enemies, and hold traitorous intercourse with them, how can He deal with us otherwise? Oh, the folly and ingratitude of those who having found God a Friend turn Him into an enemy. In mentioning the loving-kindnesses of the Lord (ver. 7), this is not the least of them, that in our foolish rebellions He is turned to be our enemy. How unwearied and patient is His love (Neh. ix. 17). Be faithful to your vows. It is not for you to hold traitorous intercourse with the enemies of your Leader. -William Guthrie, M.A. Ver. 10. I. The claims which arise from the work of the Holy Spirit. II. The sins which are possible against the Holy Spirit.-J Rawlinson. Ver. 11. I. A grateful retrospect. II. Au affectionate inquiry. III. A delightful as surance. Ver. 12. I. God leads His people by instruments which He chooses and qualifies. II. Defends them with the arm of His intercepts their course. power. III. Removes every difficulty that IV. Glorifies His own name in their deliverance. Ver. 14. I. God's people need rest. II. Rest is provided for them. III. God guides them to it by His own Spirit. IV. Thereby reveals and glorifies His name. Vers. 15, 16. I. Our Father's house. Heavenly. Holy. Glorious. II. Our Father's character. Strong. Tender. Compassionate. III. Our Father's faithfulness. Survives our ingratitude- - vicissitude - time. IV. Our Father's name. Father. Redeemer - from everlasting. V. Our Father's claims. Honour. Obedience. Love. Ver. 15. I. God's people in trouble. II. Their resource. III. Their plea. Past interpositions. Past mercies.-J. Lyth, D.D. GOD'S RELATION TO HIS PEOPLE. lxiii. 16. Doubtless Thou art our father, though Abraham, &c. From thanksgiving and confession, the people betake themselves to earnest prayer for deliverance from sin and suffering (ver. 15). Consider God's relation to His people in two aspects― I As a fact most encouraging at all times, but especially in times of trouble. God's ancient people were in sore trouble (ver. 15 and others). Yet, amid all, they derived encouragement from the intimate relationships which existed between God and them. 1. As their Father (ch. Ixiv. 8; Deut. xxxii. 6; 1 Chr. xxix. 10; Jer. iii. 4). Though this relationship was revealed under the old covenant, it was practically realised only upon the rarest occasions. Amid their trials, this is now the ground of their appeal. As their Father He must love them, and be ready to listen to them, &c. Though their earthly fathers afforded them no assistance, and seem to have ceased to feel any interest in them, they have confidence in the constancy of their heavenly Father's compassion (Jer. xxxi. 20). This is the ever deepening conviction of God's people everywhere. Gourds may grow and wither, but our heavenly Father's love neither grows nor withers-it is unchanging; it holds on and holds out, needing no sustenance from without, except that supplied by our need of it; it endures through all our unfaithfulness, &c. As our Father-(1) He is the author of our spiritual life. By His Spirit He quickens, &c., and imparts His own nature and image (2 Pet. i. 4; Col. iii. 10; Eph. iv. 23, 24). (2) He secures our instruction. By His works, Word, Spirit, &c. (3) He supplies all our need. His supplies are suited, abundant, satisfying, inexhaustible. (4) He protects us. Exposed to innumerable perils and evils, He is our shield, &c. (5) He gives us a glorious and everlasting portion. A kingdom, a crown, &c., and bliss ineffable and eternal. Such a relation cannot fail to be a source of unspeakable comfort to the people of God amid all their trials. Such a Father, ever living and loving, &c. Are you His child by the adoption of grace, &c.? He wants you to be His restored, obedient child, &c. are all the children of God," in the highest sense," by faith in Christ Jesus." "We 2. As their Redeemer (kinsman). Their history was a series of remarkable deliverances. As their Redeemer He delivers His people-(1) From the bondage of sin and Satan, &c. (pp. 295, 416, 417, 438, 551). No arm but His could break the chain, &c. (2) From all their troubles (Ps. xxxiv. 19). a. Either in this life, in answer to prayer (Ps. xxxiv. 6; xlvi. 1, and others). At the fittest time, by the fittest instrument, through the fittest medium, and in the fittest manner. B. Or wholly, in the life to come. Here, then, is 'strong consolation" for God's people amid all their tribulations. Troubled one, "be of good cheer!" 66 3. As their unchanging Friend. "Name"-expresses the Divine perfections. We delight to tell our cares, &c., to a faithful friend. Whoever dies, Jesus lives. II. As a fact independent of the recognition of the greatest men.Abraham and Jacob were two of the greatest men in Jewish history-the venerated ancestors of the Hebrew race, &c. Whether these great men knew it or not, they felt their relationship to God was a fact most encouraging. The believer's relation to God is a fact independent of man's acknowledgment, however great. The world knows us not, because it knows not our Father (1 John iii. 1, 2). They often regard us as fanatics, &c. Nothing do they less understand than the elements which constitute the Christian's character and joys. As they mistake our Father's character, it is no wonder they should mistake ours (John xvii. 25; Acts ii. 17; 1 Cor. ii. 8). But whatever the great ones of the earth may think of you, if you have genuine faith in Christ, you are a child of God-the fact is as unalterable as it is glorious (John i. 12; 1 John iii. 1, 2; Gal. iv. 4-7). Whoever refuses to acknowledge you, steadfastly believe in God as Father, Redeemer, &c. This is infinitely more precious than the most honoured earthly ancestry, &c. Unspeakably blessed are those who have the LORD for their Father and Redeemer. They rise superior to all life's trials, and exult in the hope of glory (Rom. v. 2). Is this blessedness yours? — Alfred Tucker. your I. The characters under which God is here addressed. (See former outline.) II. The affections and emotions of which God is the proper object. 1. Of admiring gratitude and awe. 2. Of filial confidence and trust. 3. Of earnest pleading and expostulation (vers. 15-19 and ch. lxiv.). 4. Of high and animated hope. These are not the pleadings of despair, &c.-S. Thodey. Vers. 17-19. I. The sorrows of God's people. Phases. Causes. Moral influence. II. Their chastisement. Just. Administered by means of their enemies. Merciful. Cor rective. III. Their cure. Penitential prayer. Faith, founded on God's peculiar right in His people. Ver. 19. God's people as distinguished from their enemies are-I. His special property. II. His privileged subjects. III. His acknowledged children.-J. Lyth, D.D. A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL REVIVAL. lxiv. 1, 2. Oh that Thou wouldst rend the It is not into the mouth of every Israelite that the prophet puts this prayer only the true-hearted, believing remnant could offer it. Selfish grovelling souls can, perhaps, ask certain blessings from God,-health when they are sick, bread when they are hungry, deliverance when they are in danger; but that God Himself should come down is a thing which they can neither desire nor endure. They can be satisfied with what is beneath the heavens, while the desires of the godly aspire to what is above the heavens. How is it with us? May the Holy Spirit elevate our desires, and teach us that our true blessedness lies in the answer to this great petition. Whether for ourselves, the Church, or the world at large, it expresses the most urgent need. I. THE BLESSING WHICH IT CRAVES. A repetition of God's former acts in their behalf (lxiii. 8-14); some manifest Divine intervention. It had long seemed as if He had withdrawn His presence, and they pray that these darkened heavens that hung over them like a pall, might be rent for a disclosure of His majesty and saving power. Is not this also our need? To the Spirit's gracious influences we must ascribe those times of refreshing, which come in answer to fervent prayer (Acts i. 8 and others). II. THE PLEAS BY WHICH THE PRAYER IS SUPPORTED. 1. Former mercies (ver. 15). 2. A close and endearing relation is pleaded (ver. 16). 3. The disobedience and unbelief of the great mass of the nation (ver. 17). 4. The rapacity of their adversaries (vers. 18, 19). III. THE EFFECTS WHICH ITS ANSWER INVOLVES. "The mountains" of difficulty and opposition shall be levelled into smoothness; every antiChristian power shall be weakened heavens, that Thou wouldst come down, &c. and destroyed. We are often hindered and thwarted in our work for God by huge mountain masses that rear their giant forms right in front of us, and seem insurmountable, rendered all the greater by the unbelieving fears and faint-heartedness of fellow - workers. But let God come down, and they are removed (Zech. iv. 7). This Divine interposition is also compared to the twofold action of fire in its destructive and beneficent effects (ver. 2, Revised Version). In spring we see fires blazing in fields and gardens, burning up the worthless prunings and brushwood, that the operations of husbandry may go forward. So, when God comes down, all that is evil, all that opposes the progress of the truth within us and around us is consumed (Luke xii. 49; Mal. iii. 2, 3).-William Guthrie, M. A. Ver. 1. THE POWER THAT REMOVES DIFFICULTIES. This is a cry for help and deliverance coming from the Church in the midst of conscious difficulties. Those difficulties produced by a general abandonment of God (ch. lxii. 10; xiv. 5-7). The remedy is found only in calling upon God, and obtaining a display of His wondrous power. The text implies I. That there are great difficulties encompassing the people of God. 66 Here compared to mountains," because of their formidable attitude and strength. 1. Difficulties arising from the active opposi tion of the Church's enemies, organised and instigated by the great enemy of mankind. 2. Difficulties arising from the magnitude of How vast the work committed to the Church. all the interests at stake and the responsibility involved. Low, weak, and incapable the human instruments: how disastrous is failure! 3. Difficulties arising from ourselves. Our mistakes, unwatchfulness, unfaithfulness, follies, create our own worst entanglements. 4. Difficulties arising from a common source-sin. This severs our connection with Divine power, and forfeits the Divine approval (ver. 7). All is gone-hope, help, happiness-when God is absent! II. That difficulties vanish when God puts forth His power. 1. God puts jorth His power in bestowing imposing revelations of Himself. Here referred to as "rending the heavens;" "coming down." 2. In defeating the Church's enemies. "The mountains flow down at His presence." III. The Power of God removes difficulties when His people cry unto Him. 1. This is a cry of penitence. It involves a confession of unfaithfulness, of sin, of baffled endeavours, of helplessness. 2. This is a cry of faith. (1) Faith in God's power to remove difficulties, or we should never pray. (2) Faith in God's willingness, or we should not persevere in prayer. Earnest, believing, importunate prayer opens the heavens, brings God near, and conquers every mountain of difficulty.-G. Barlow. Vers. 1-3. I. Some of the obstacles to the prosperity and happiness of the Church. II. The power of God to remove them. Signally. Unexpectedly. Effectually. III. The en couragement He has given us to believe He will remove them. IV. The necessity of soliciting His help and interposition.-J. Lyth, D.D. Vers. 4-8. I. The transcendent excellency of the Divine purpose respecting His people. II. The principles on which this purpose proceeds. Righteousness. Justice. Mercy. III. The utter want of merit in us. We have sinned. Our very righteousness is polluted. Our nature is frail—because of iniquity. IV. The humble determination to submit ourselves now to the will of God. Vers. 4. I. The characters described. They wait for God-in faith, hope, obedience. II. The blessedness prepared for them. Surpasses all human experience and expectation. Is only known to God.-J. Lyth, D.D. GOD'S SPECIAL REGARD FOR HIS PEOPLE. lxiv. 5. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, &c. The most weighty and important of all inquiries must be those which relate to our acceptance with God, and to that description of character which He will approve, &c. The text is a comprehensive description of the character of the people of God. I. The attributes of character by which the servants of God are known. 1. By their patient waiting for God (ver. 4). None but those who wait love; none but those who love wait. 2. By their love of righteousness. 3. By their devout remembrance of God. They remember God in the ways of His providence and grace. 4. By their fixed adherence to their principles in times of discouragement and declension. II. The special favour with which God regards them. However they fail in securing the sympathy of men, they are assured of the effectual and sustaining sympathy of God. He meets them-1. In the gracious promises of His Word-assuring them of protection, of guidance, of support. 2. In the ordinances of His appointment. The ministry of the Word, the secret exercises of devotion, &c. 3. In the events of His providence. 4. In the season of departure from earth to heaven. CONCLUSION.-1. If such be the privileges of the righteous how anxious should we be to be enrolled among their number. 2. If such be the greatness and glory of God how formidable must it be to stand in enmity against Him. All resistance is vain. Be wise! Lay down the weapons of your warfare at the cross of your Redeemer.-Samuel Thodey. I. The people whom God regards. II. The grace which God displays.-S. Thodey. AUTUMN LEAVES. lxiv. 6. And we all do fade as a leaf. Men have ever been ready to associate the seasons of the year with the periods of human life: to compare our youth with the spring time, &c. We all know we are rapidly passing away, &c. Everything tells us that we are under a law of change and uncertainty, and decay and death; and my object will be to justify and account for this state of things, and to see what reliefs and supports the Gospel gives. Consider I. THE ORIGIN OF THIS STATE OF THINGS in the history of our fallen humanity. This was not the primitive condition of the race, but was superinduced and brought about by the entrance of sin. Man was not originally designed to perish like a leaf, &c. II. THE DESIGN OF IT. For wise |