May 3

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord! in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." — Psalms 89:15, 16.

By "the joyful sound," we are, doubtless, to understand the Gospel. Three things may be here noticed respecting it.

THE TIDINGS IT PROCLAIMS. It is the sound of

Reconciliation to the enemy. There is war between heaven and earth, God and man; man is the rebel; a treaty of peace is devised, arranged, and concluded, and it is made known in the Gospel, the language of which is, "Be ye reconciled to God."

Freedom to the slave. What joy must have prevailed among the Jews, when the year of jubilee returned, and the captives were set at liberty! You read an interesting account of it in Leviticus 25:8 — 17. O how glorious is the jubilee of the Gospel!

Welcome to the prodigal. Sinners, you have wandered from the paternal roof; your heavenly Father might in justice forever discard you, but in mercy he calls you home: how many times has he sent after you, and you have refused to go!

THE ATTENTION IT DEMANDS. You must "know the joyful sound." What is implied in this?

It is clearly to distinguish it. There is a great difference between hearing and knowing it. There must be a spiritual perception of it, enabling us to judge and discern between truth and error.

It is cordially to approve of it. The word knowledge is often used to denote approbation. Christ will say at the last day to the ungodly, "I know you not;" that is, I do not approve of you. Believers "approve things that are excellent."

It is spiritually to receive it. The Gospel must be embraced with the warmest affections of the heart.

THE BLESSINGS IT INSURES. Tranquillity in his favor, joy in his name, dignity in his righteousness. May the Gospel not only reach my ear, but penetrate my heart!

"O happy souls, that know the sound, Celestial light their steps surround."