Psalms 85

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM LXXXV.—Present distress should never obliterate 7 B the grateful memory of God’s past favours. His pardons of sins, through Jesus’ blood are all free, full, and everlasting; and, when guilt is removed, wrath ceases of course. Though our unfaithfulness may have plunged us into distress, God is rich in mercy, and ready to turn us to himself. But no salvation can be hoped for while we continue indulging our sins. And, unless he save us freely, without respect to our deserts, we are undone for ever. Impenitent sinners must undergo eternal wrath; but the people of God are only corrected for a time. Having experienced the power of his quickening and restoring grace, they rejoice in God their Saviour, and speak to his glory, of the wonders of his grace. And, having expected and obtained an answer to their prayers, the peace which God speaks in his promise withdraws their heart from sinning. But how sure was the promise, near the fulfilment, and great the glory, of Jesus’ incarnation and office! Herein the mercy, faithfulness, and equity, of God appear harmoniously and brightly displayed. While Jesus, the truth, grows upward from earth, his righteous Father from heaven beholds him with pleasure. While the gospel, and its influences, take place among men, Jehovah manifests his righteousness in pardoning and blessing us with all spiritual blessings in Christ; in making us to abound in fruits of righteousness, to the praise of his glory; and in directing us to Jesus, and his law and example, that we may be led into the paths of everlasting peace