February 10

"The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." — Psalms 19:7.

BISHOP Horne beautifully remarks on the book of Psalms, "The fairest productions of human wit, after a few perusals, like gathered flowers, wither in our hands, and lose their fragrancy; but these unfading plants of paradise become, as we are accustomed to them, still more and more beautiful; their bloom appears to be daily heightened, fresh odors are emitted, and new sweets are extracted from them. Contemplate God's word

IN ITS NATURE. "The testimony of the Lord." Examine its contents.

It is a testimony of man's sin. Thus it is a testimony against the human race. Here God testifies against his creatures for their ingratitude, rebellion, sinfulness, and indifference.

It is a testimony of God's grace. The Scripture is a well of water, on the surface of which, if you cast your eye, you will see reflected both the image of God, and your own likeness. Christ says of the Sacred Writings, "They are they which testify of me." They testify of his glory, grace, fulness, love, and salvation, and of the operations of his Spirit.

It is a testimony of a future state. In the writings of the heathen philosophers, what is there to comfort the mind in the prospect of death, or to irradiate the darkness of the sepulchre? But "life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel." Look at God's word

IN ITS PROPERTY. "It is sure." Some sayings are false, but "this is a faithful saying;" some are not worth listening to, but this is "worthy of all acceptation;" some are uncertain, but this is "sure;" some though true are trifling, but "this is life eternal." Its authenticity might be argued from the character of its Author, the fulfilment of prophecy, and the power of religion. Every Christian is a living witness that "the testimony of the Lord is sure." View God's word

IN ITS EFFECTS. "Making wise the simple." By the grace of God it enlightens the ignorant and instructs the simple hearted in that wisdom which is from above.