renounce sin, and so delight in Thy holy word, that, following it in faith and practice, we may please Thee both in will and deed, and finally obtain everlasting blessedness, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

PSALM II.

Prophetical: the author, David. It celebrates the victories of Christ and of His Gospel. Compare Acts iv. 25, 26.

(I. Opposition to Christ's kingdom.)

1 Why do the heathen rage,

And the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying, 3 "Let us break their bands asunder, "And cast away their cords from us."

(II. The folly of such opposition.)

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:
The Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath,
And vex them in His sore displeasure.
6 "Yet have I set my King

"Upon my holy hill of Zion.”

(III. The preaching of the Gospel.)

7 "I will declare the decree :

"The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my

"This day have I begotten Thee.

8 "Ask of me,

Son;

"And I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine

inheritance,

"And the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.

9"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;

"Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

(IV. Exhortation to receive it.) 10 Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear,

And rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And ye perish from the way,

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

REFLECTIONS.

What different, but what important, subjects for our consideration!

He op

1. See the Impiety and Folly of man. poses Christ, and rejects His authority. Thus the Jews and Gentiles acted at first: thus men have acted through all ages; and thus every natural man acts. Is not the feeling of his heart, "I will not have this man to reign over me?"

2. See the dealings of God. He sets at nought the counsels and rage of the wicked: He punishes them for their folly and His purpose shall stand. Messiah is established in kingly supremacy: He is "Head over all things to the Church."

:

3. See the Decree. The Gospel is a declaration, that Christ is the Son of God, and that God hath given to us eternal life in Him. All nations belong to Him: "all power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth" He is able to bless, protect, and prosper His faithful people, and also to punish His adversaries.

4. See the object of true Wisdom. Whether we be high or low, what is our duty; what is our happiness? Submission to the Son of God. To be instructed; to be believing and obedient; faithfully to serve, and humbly to rejoice; this is our duty: thus we shall escape wrath, and thus we shall be blessed here and for ever.

PRAYER.

O Lord, dispel our ignorance, subdue our pride, and remove our unbelief, that we may come to Christ, and take His yoke upon us. May He who is King in Zion rule in our hearts, and in the hearts of all mankind, by His word and Spirit, to Thy honour and glory, and to our salvation. Amen.

PSALM III.

Prayer expressing confidence in God under affliction. The author, David; who wrote it, probably, when he left Jerusalem on the rebellion of Absalom. 2 Sam. xv. 14.

(I. Troubles of the godly.)

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, "There is no help for him in God."

(II. Their resource and confidence.) 3 But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of my head. 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And He heard me out of His holy hill. 5 I laid me down and slept ;

I awakened; for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves against me round about.

(III. Prayer and acknowledgment.)

7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God:

For Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek-bone;

Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.

REFLECTIONS.

1. We must not account it strange if our enemies be numerous, and if the taunts of scoffers often increase our anguish. Such was the experience of David, and also of our blessed Lord. In such trials we must look to God, who is our only and all-sufficient refuge.

2. They who pray cannot be long unhappy. If we look to God in faith as our Defender, Glory, and Deliverer, and pray to Him, we shall be heard and answered; we shall repose in safety; and fear shall be banished from our hearts.

3. The true Christian unites prayer and praise; earnest petition and joyful exultation; the language

of humility and of confidence. How secure and happy are they who have the God of our salvation for their defence and support!

PRAYER.

However, O Lord, the men of the world may deride us, be Thou our Helper. In all our troubles, may we look to Thee in faith, pour out our hearts before Thee in prayer, and experience Thy goodness. All salvation, all deliverance is from Thee; and Thy blessing is upon Thy people: and to Thee be all the praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

PSALM IV.

Prayer in trouble and affliction: the author, David. Written perhaps on the same occasion as the preceding Psalm. An Evening Hymn.

(I. Prayer.)

1 Hear when I call, O God of my righteousness: Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

(II. Expostulation and Admonition.)

2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame?

How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing?

3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself:

The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not: