Psalm 146:9 The LORD preserves the strangers; he relieves the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turns upside down. The Lord "relieveth the fatherless" — I. BY EXCITING THE COMPASSION OF OTHERS IN THEIR BEHALF. The feeling of sympathy is one of the noblest affections of our rational nature. To be without compassion for the miserable and the helpless is a strong indication of deep moral depravity. That all are not thus depraved must be owing to the distinguishing goodness and grace of God. 1. Even among those who are still in an unregenerate state we find many who are easily affected with the calamities of others, and who listen with eagerness, as well as with deep concern, to the tale of woe. 2. When Christians behold others around them in poverty and affliction they ascribe it to undeserved mercy that they themselves are not in similar, or even in worse, circumstances. This thought moves their compassion. II. BY EXCITING THE LIBERALITY OF OTHERS TOWARDS THEIR SUPPORT. 1. Even those who are strangers to the power of His grace are often led by a natural principle of benevolence, or perhaps of self-gratification, to abound in alms-deeds. But more especially the Lord endows many of His own servants with a kind and liberal spirit. Being conscious that they have nothing but what they have received, they consider themselves as stewards, who are bound to be faithful. They endeavour, therefore, to honour the Lord with their substance, and with the first-fruits of their increase. III. BY STIRRING UP OTHERS TO ACTIVE EXERTIONS IN THEIR BEHALF. IV. BY RENDERING THE EXERTIONS OF OTHERS, AND ESPECIALLY OF HIS OWN SERVANTS, EFFECTUAL FOR THIS END. V. MORE ESPECIALLY BY BRINGING THEM TO AN ACQUAINTANCE WITH HIMSELF, AND SOMETIMES BY PLACING THEM IN STATIONS OF USEFULNESS, AND EVEN OF EMINENCE IN THE WORLD. (D. Dickson.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. |
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