Psalms 132:9

Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness.

A righteous pulpit

We hear advocated, on platforms and elsewhere, different kinds of ministry. Some are urgent for a talented ministry. Some are urgent for an educated ministry. They insist on culture. Some are urgent for an evangelical ministry. The great want, however, is a righteous ministry.

I. A ministry that advocates the principles of rectitude. The Sermon on the Mount should be the text and the imperial inspiration of every teacher.

II. A ministry that advocates the principles of rectitude Is an honest way.

1. Conscientiously, believing in them.

2. Consistently, living them.

3. Independently, disregarding alike the frowns and smiles of men. A ministry, in fact, that “commends itself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

III. A ministry that advocates the principles of rectitude for a right purpose. Not for popularity, not for greed, not for sect, but for right. Such a ministry as this the people will believe in, trust, and follow. (David Thomas, D. D.)

And let Thy saints shout for joy.--

The connection between a pious ministry and a happy Church

True piety has ever a cheerful character; our religion has no sympathy with gloom (Proverbs 3:17). We dare not speak of uninterrupted enjoyment. Christians live too much beneath their privileges to admit of this; and, even though they should attain perfection, how could they escape suffering in a world where sin so much abounds? It would be preposterous to expect it. But, making all deductions, the believer has far more pleasure than the man who rejects the overtures of Divine compassion. Is it not so? Would you not like to know that your sins were pardoned, every one of them, no more to rise up in judgment against you? Would you not like to know that God was your friend, and that He would never leave you nor forsake you? Would you not like to know that the bondage of death is removed, for Jesus has disarmed the grisly monster of his sting? Now, these are some of the benefits of which genuine believers are partakers; and an interest in them is obtained by believing in the Son of God, who is the Strength and the Saviour of suffering man. Would you not be happier, as well as better, could you say, All these are mine? Make the experiment for yourself. Surely it is worth the trial. Linger no longer. Close at once with God’s own free terms. Permit Him to save you in His own way, and there shall be no disappointment. (N. McMichael.)

Joy in the Lord

Joy is both full of insight and medicinal. Our best poets delight to depict its power in each of these ministries. Wordsworth said it was “with an eye made quiet by the deep power of joy that he saw into the life of things.” Then he felt sensations sweet passing into his pure mind, with tranquil restoration. Then he came to know that blessed mood in which the burden of the mystery of this unintelligible world is lightened; and he became a living soul. If this be the ministry of the joy of nature, surely the “joy of the Lord” would lighten many dark problems in life, lift many a burden, change the home and the business of many a weary and tried child of God, and fill them with brightness and song.