July 8

"His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish." Psalms 132:18.

IN this psalm we have encouraging promises respecting the growing increase and final triumphs of Christ's kingdom. Here is

AN AWFUL FACT IMPLIED. Christ has enemies. Who are they? Devils, — but this is not all; men, and yet he is the friend of sinners. His enemies may be arranged under three classes: — The daring infidel. He strikes at the very root of Christ's kingdom, longs for its downfall, and tries by every possible means to diffuse his poisonous principles. The open profligate. He makes light of all the invitations of mercy, and all the exhibitions of Divine love, and is not ashamed openly to avow his hostile principles. The inconsistent professor. How many such characters have there been in every age! Paul complains of them, Philippians 3:18: they crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. They are enemies under the disguise of friends.

AN ALARMING PUNISHMENT THREATENED. They shall be clothed with shame. This threatening is partially executed here, but fully hereafter. They shall be clothed with shame at death. How confused shall they be to find all their plots and schemes frustrated by him who takes the wise in their own craftiness! What shame shall cover them when the disembodied spirit shall be summoned to appear before God! They shall be clothed with shame in the judgment. How ashamed shall they be when they see the righteous, whom they have despised, fully vindicated and acquitted, and themselves condemned! They shall be clothed with everlasting shame. To this Daniel alludes, chap. xii. 2, "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."

A GLORIOUS PROMISE MADE. "But upon himself shall his crown flourish." This implies—complete victory. "His crown;" the indication of his conquest over his foes. It is said, "On his head were many crowns," alluding to the number and extent of his triumphs. High honor. A crown is an emblem, not only of victory, but of honor and dignity. Growing triumphs. The crown shall flourish on his head. He goes forth conquering and to conquer. It shall be so till the allegiance is universal; he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Am I a subject of King Jesus? I give him the service of the lip, but do I pay him the homage of the heart? Let me not be found among his enemies, but numbered with his friends.