February 23

"Truly God is good to Israel: even to such as are of a clean heart." — Psalm lxxlii. 1.

ASAPIL, to whom this Psalm is ascribed, was greatly perplexed when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, and the pains and crosses that attended the righteous; but he went into the sanctuary, and there his mind was relieved. He here acknowledges God's goodness to his people. The passage contains a very encouraging declaration. Consider

WHOM IT REGARDS. The children of God: those who are Israelites indeed. There are several marks they bear. They have a heart enlightened in the knowledge of God, attracted with the love of God, renewed by the Spirit of God, and consecrated to the glory of God.

WHAT IT INCLUDES. God is good to all in the gifts of providence, but especially to his people in the blessings of grace. Three things show this.

Their past experience. What a change has he wrought in them; it was he that brought them from sin's pernicious road, and led their feet into the way of peace. Believers should remember the hole of the pit whence they were digged. "Memory," says Boston, "is the store-house of former experiences, and they are the Christian's way-marks, by attentively observing which, he may know where he is, even in a dark hour."

Their present enjoyments. Are they not possessed of a peace which passeth all understanding, and a joy that is unutterable, a faith that draws aside the curtain of futurity, and exhibits the magnificent objects of an unseen world, and a hope that maketh not ashamed? Would they exchange their present for their past condition?

Their future prospects. Is not Jehovah good in giving such exceeding great and precious promises both for time and eternity? Millions above, and multitudes below, unite in confirming the truth that God is good to Israel. Can you not add your testimony?

"The Lord is good; the Lord is kind; Great is his grace, his mercy sure; And all the race of man shall find His truth from age to age endure."