April 27

"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them."—Psalms 103:17, 18.

THE two preceding verses led us to the contemplation of the frailty of human life, but this passage invites us to the consideration of a more pleasing subject, connected with the unchangeable nature of the Divine Being. Note

DIVINE IMMUTABILITY. The mercy of the Lord may be viewed

In its antiquity. "From everlasting." The first link of our salvation is concealed in the mysterious clouds of eternity past, and the last link of it is hidden in the unseen glories of eternity to come; but the chain of connection is beautifully discovered in the effectual calling, gracious change, and happy experience of the believer. While, therefore, we refresh ourselves beside the living streams of divine mercy, let us endeavor to trace this mighty river to its source, and that we shall find in the bosom of the eternal God.

In its freeness. "It is mercy," an act of free favor and grace. This is the very characteristic of the Gospel. If we are saved, it cannot be by the price of human merit, but the pure work of sovereign mercy.

In its duration. "To everlasting." The fabric reared by human merit must be demolished and crumble into ruins, while mercy is built up for ever. It shall be perpetuated to the last moment of time, and run parallel with the longest line of eternity.

In its subjects. They are described in three ways. By their fear of God. This fear is a gracious and filial principle; a disposition of mind both commanded and commended in the Scripture. By their faithfulness to his covenant, that is, the covenant of grace which God has made with them, and revealed to them in its promises, privileges, and perpetuity. They keep it in their thoughts by meditating on it, in their hearts by loving it, and in their desires by longing to know more of it. By their fulfilment of his commands. Thus we see that real religion will always have its practical influence on its possessor. God's righteousness is here said to be upon their children's children, "that is," says Henry, "if they tread in the steps of their predecessor's piety." I have been beside the banks, admiring the streams of this river of divine mercy; but have I plunged into it? I have gazed on the fair and beautiful flowers of divine promises; but have I plucked them with the hand of faith? I have listened to the experience of those who have tasted divine love; but can I say, "I obtained mercy"?