Psalms 73

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM LXXIII.—In our perplexing difficulties we ought to recur to the first principles of our most holy faith. And never should we lose the views of God’s kindness to those who are washed in the blood, and sanctified by the Spirit, of his Son. Often the strongest believers are most violently mpted, and dragged to the very brink of death and destruction: while God this world marks his enemies and friends in the most perplexing manner. from he hates he prospers to their ruin; and whom he loves he corrects and scourges for their profit. What need then have we to attend closely to his word as our rule; and amidst perplexing providences to wait till we see the end of the Lord! The worst that a good man hath is better than the prosperity of many wicked, which but ripens them for everlasting ruin, and hastens them into it. But, whatever sad lengths the afflictions and temptations of the godly draw them, they will issue in their instruction, humiliation, comfort, and holiness. When atheistical thoughts arise in our hearts, they must be carefully and quickly suppressed. We must never grieve nor stumble the children of God by representing his service as vain and unprofitable. And it is not the strongest carnal reasoning, but fellowship with God in his word and ordinances, that can illuminate a darkened soul, or disentangle from an ensnaring temptation. Great is the mercy when God relieves his children, who had by their envy and fretfulness become their own tormentors; and that even at their worst he never ceases to attend and support them, as weak infants in his family. But bright views of God and eternal things are sometimes ushered in by great darkness and trouble of mind. Holiness here and glory hereafter are closely connected. And little man hath one guided of God, and an heir of everlasting happiness, nay of God himself and a joint heir with Christ, to envy the earthly happiness of the wicked. How insignificant other things appear when compared with the everlasting enjoyment of the INFINITE ALL, the REDBEMING GODHEAD! How light and easy are both and trouble when considered as our way to it! While apostates from God hasten towards endless perdition, let me therefore draw near to him, in habitual fellowship with him. Let me by faith depend on his promise, that here and hereafter my lips may be filled with his praise