February 15

1 Hear me 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.

2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leaving? Selah.

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: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD

6 There be many that say, Who will show us my good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

"This Psalm is apparently intended to accompany the third, and make a pair with it. . . . It was probably written upon the same occasion as the preceding, and is another choice flower from the garden of affliction. Happy is it for us that David was tried, or probably we should never have heard these sweet sonnets of faith."—C. H. Spurgeon.

May the choice words of the eighth verse be our sweet song of rest as we retire to our repose! This verse has been called "The Christian's good-night." Another has said of it: "A bed-chamber for believers, a vesper song to sing in it, and a guard to keep the door." God is here revealed to us as exercising personal care in the still chamber.

"I shall not sit up to watch through fear, but I will lie down; and then I will not be awake listening to every rustling sound, but I will lie down in peace and sleep, for I have nought to fear. He that hath the wings of God above him needs no other curtain. Better than bolts or bars is the protection of the Lord."—C. H. Spurgeon.

Closet Promise.—My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.—Isa. xxxii. 18.

A little rest in the twilight After my work is done,

A little time with the Master At setting of the sun.

The day has been one of trial, Of failure oft and tears; But Jesus knows all my weakness, He knows my doubts and fears

All sordid thoughts I can banish, And let my spirit fly Above the earth and its sorrow To God's white throne or high.

The door of a place of refuge, A place of quiet rest

Is near, and my soul is longing To find that portal blest.

I come with my heavy burdens, I come with all my sin, I knock and the door swings open, And Jesus lets me in.

My sin departs, and my trouble Is lost in blissful calm, This quiet hour with my Saviour Has soothed my heart like balm. —Eliza H. Morton.