Psalm 118:15-16 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.… I. ITS IMPORTANCE. 1. In reference to our avocations and cares. These are numerous and diversified, and demand relaxation and relief. Who could endure perpetual drudgery and fatigue? — and what so refreshing, so soothing, so satisfying, as the placid joys of home! 2. In reference to the afflictions of life. It looks like a general remedy, furnished by the kindness of Providence, to alleviate the troubles which from various quarters we unavoidably feel while passing through this world of vanity and vexation of spirit. How many little sighing vacancies does it fill up! How many cloudy nervous vapours does it chase from the mind! 3. In reference to the good things of this life. Without this, all will be insipid, all will be useless. Imagine yourselves prosperous in your affairs; trade pouring in wealth, your grounds bringing forth plentifully, your cup running over — misery under your own roof would be sufficient to canker your gold and silver; to corrupt your abundance; to embitter every pleasure. 4. In reference to the seductions and snares of the world. From the danger of these there is no better preservative than the attractions of a family. The more a man feels his welfare lodged in his own house, the more will he prize and love it. The more he is attached to his wife and children, the less will he risk their peace and comfort by hazardous speculations, and mad enterprises in trade. II. To open its SOURCES, and examine on what it DEPENDS. 1. Without order you can never rule well your own house. "God is not the God of confusion." He loves order: order pervades all His works. 2. Many things will arise to try your temper: and he is unqualified for social life who has no rule over his own spirit; "who cannot bear the frailties of his fellow-creatures with common charity, and the vexations of life with common patience." 3. The influence and advantage of good sense are incalculable. This will preserve us from censoriousness; will lead us to distinguish circumstances; to draw things from the dark situation of prejudice which rendered them frightful, that we may candidly survey them in open day. 4. We must go beyond all this, and remind you of those religious principles by which you are to be governed These are to be found in the Word of God; and as many as walk according to this rule, mercy and peace shall be upon them. God has engaged that if you will walk in His way, you shall find rest unto your souls. If it be said, There are happy families without religion, I would answer — (1) There is a difference between appearances and reality. (2) If we believe the Scripture, this is impossible —"the way of transgressors is hard: there is no peace, saith my God, unto the wicked."(3) Religion secures those duties, upon the performance of which the happiness of households depends. (4) Religion attracts the Divine blessing — and all we possess depends upon its smiles. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. |
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