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I. FOR THE MORNING.

1. It is to show forth the Lord's loving kindness. What a beautiful word this "loving kindness" is! It has been noticed by all devout readers of these psalms. One says, "It is a duplicate deliciousness; there are within it linked sweetnesses long drawn out. It is a kind of word with which to cast spells which should charm away all fears," Some have derived the word "kindness" from "kinnedness," the feeling which we cherish to those who are near to us in our own families. And God's kindness to his people is because he has made them of his own kin. He bids us call him "Father," and he has given us "power to become sons of God" (John 1:12). And forasmuch as amongst us the fact of being a man's "kin" may not involve, often does not, that he should be to us "kind," therefore God's kindness is spoken of as loving kindness. A woman may show kindness to poor people, but to her own dear child she will show loving kindness - a much warmer and more tender feeling. And this is that which God cherishes and manifests towards us. Nature, providence, and grace all attest this. It is not true that Nature is immoral, harsh, bitterly cruel, "red in tooth and claw," and needing to he supplemented by the gospel of Christ, if the character of its Creater is to be regarded as beneficent (see Drummond's 'Ascent of Man'). There is another and a gentler side belonging to it. And providence, if we will but remember its educational purpose, and the graciousness of its common dealings, will give clear testimony to the loving kindness of the Lord. And so, chief of all, will the grace of God attest this. "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that," etc.

2. And this is to be our morning theme.

(1) For then are we fresh and vigorous, and the firstfruits of the day should be offered. The clews of the Holy Spirit fall then especially.

(2) And we need preparation for all the day may bring; it is sure to bring temptation, and it may bring trial and trouble; yea, disaster and death may come. But if our hearts be filled with the sense of the loving kindness of the Lord, we are ready for all that may be in store for us.

(3) And we have had fresh proof of it in the fact of spared life and renewed strength (cf. Keble's morning hymn). Now, all this is true of the literal morning. But if we understand by the "morning," the beginning of our life, its earlier days, what more fitting theme could there be for this morning than the loving kindness of the Lord? And so, too, of the morning after the night of sorrow, when God has cleared the clouds away. And without doubt we shall find it good to do this in the blessed resurrection morn. Let us prepare for this by showing forth God's loving kindness now.

II. FOR NIGHTFALL. God's faithfulness is to be our theme then. And it is most fitting. For we have experienced more of it. What he promised to give he has given - provision for our wants; protection; guidance; and deliverance from many a snare of the devil. He has been faithful all along.

III. THE EXERCISE IS TO BE A SHOWING FORTH. In praise of heart and lip and life rendered unto him; and in open confession, and grateful obedience. - S.C.

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KJV: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

WEB: to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night,