_Hold not Thy peace, O God of my praise._ A SONG OF IMPRECATION I. The misdeeds of the wicked (Psalms 109:1). II. The imprecation of wrath (verses 6-20). III. The cry for mercy (Psalms 109:21). “The thunder and lightning are now followed by deep, sorrowful complaint like a flood of tears.” IV. T... [ Continue Reading ]
_But I give myself unto prayer._ THE UNIVERSAL SUITABILITY OF PRAYER This is the great resource of God’s children. Observe the disjunctive particle “but” with which the text begins. Let others do this or that (he would say), “but I give myself unto prayer,” or, as it stands in the original, But I--... [ Continue Reading ]
_They have rewarded me evil for good._ EVIL FOR GOOD Florence_, _when dominated by the preaching of Savonarola, became transformed; high-born ladies threw aside their jewels and finery, men turned from evil ways into sobriety, the churches were crowded with all classes of the people, from nobles t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let his days be few; and let another take his office._ THE OUTCAST’S PLACE FILLED (for St. Matthias’ Day):--The words in themselves sound simple enough; they might seem to speak of no more than all human beings must undergo, by the necessity of their mortal nature. All our days are few: they are b... [ Continue Reading ]
_But do Thou for me, O God the Lord, for Thy name’s sake._ AN EXEMPLARY PRAYER I. It is true in its direction. It is addressed to “God the Lord.” There is but One all-suffering Being to whom we can address our prayers. Think what is requisite to be able to answer prayer at all times--infinite inte... [ Continue Reading ]