_By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea,_ we wept. THE TEARS OF MEMORY AND THE CRY FOR VENGEANCE I. The tears of memory (Psalms 137:1). 1. Their sorrow had reference to the loss of the highest blessing--Zion, where their nation met their God to worship Him, etc. 2. Their sorrow was del... [ Continue Reading ]
_We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof._ HARPS ON THE WILLOWS I. Every man has a harp. The harp was the well-known instrument for the accompaniment of song. Its music was sweet and delightful. When calamity fell upon the nation their harps were silenced, etc. And thus it is wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sing us one of the songs of Zion._ THE PHASES OF PSALMODY The noblest employment of which the nature of man is capable is the worship of his Maker. One of the elements of the worship is the rendition of praise, and in the songs of Zion we are amply provided with material for this purpose. I. The... [ Continue Reading ]
_How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?_ THE LORD’S SONG IN A STRANGE LAND The temple music had a reputation even among the heathen peoples of Central Asia; and it seemed natural that the sacred words and music, which had for ages set forth the worship of the one true God, should furn... [ Continue Reading ]
_If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning._ RECOLLECTION AND PREFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST I. The object of recollection and preference by the Christian. The Church of Jesus Christ--the universal Church, consisting of all, throughout the world, who believe and obey... [ Continue Reading ]
_Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem._ IMPRECATION AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH 1. False brethren are the chief instruments of persecution of the true members of the Church whensoever they find occasion. 2. Whosoever do delight in the Church’s calamity, and do ende... [ Continue Reading ]