Psalms 106:48

REFLECTIONS

READER! let us prosecute the same delightful subject as the Psalmist; and since he goes on from one psalm so another, adoring the name of the Lord, we will follow the example; and never grow tired of the grateful employment. Surely, we may well say, It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to show forth his loving kindness in the morning, and his faithfulness every night. And oh! what an endless subject is opened for the everlasting praises of Jehovah, in the review of his love to his church and people! Was it not the Father's love which gave rise to the church, which prompted his infinite mind to form it; giving his only begotten Son to be her Head and Mediator; and giving the church to Christ as a bride adorned for her husband? Was it not the love of Jesus which at the call of God the Father, induced him to go forth for the salvation of his elect people? And was it not the love and favor of God the Holy Ghost, who from everlasting undertook, and hath all along been accomplishing the gracious purpose, and will go on to accomplish it, until grace is summed up in glory, to bring the church acquainted, and in love with, all the covenant purposes of Jehovah in the salvation of Jesus? And in such views of divine goodness, must not every heart feel constrained to exclaim, who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord; who can show forth all his praise?

But what a contrast to this rich mercy of the God of Israel doth the Israel of God manifest in their ingratitude and rebellion! Is it possible, while the Lord is so gracious, for man to be so unworthy? Oh! Reader! what is man, after all divine mercies, and all divine grace manifested towards him? Bend the knee with me, I beseech you, before the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Let us seek grace to profit by Israel's history. We may all well join the expressions used in this psalm, and say, We also have sinned with our fathers; we have committed iniquity. Yes! precious Jesus, at the sea, even the red sea of thy blood, how have we provoked the Lord to anger! Yet, Lord! remember thy covenant, and save us for thy name's sake. Thou art a God of pardons. Though there be nothing but sin and wretchedness in us; in the Lord our righteousness there is redemption. Accept us in him; and for his sake cause us yet to triumph in our God. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.