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I. WE ARE REMINDED THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. He is originally, essentially, unchangeably, supremely good. I feel at a loss to express how good He is. What immense families does God continually provide for in air and earth and seal And chiefly is His goodness seen in the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him let all the contrite, the troubled, the tempted come and find help. And all this for sinners.

II. THE BEST WAY OF KNOWING THIS GOODNESS IS BY TASTING IT. That is — apply it, make trial of it and prove it for yourselves. There is such a thing as experimental religion. Many have full knowledge of the theory of religion, but no experience of it. They have long known its truths, but never felt their power. Oh, the miseries of preaching to such persons, who need no information — these, who feel no emotion. Oh, what a perpetual contradiction is there between your creed and your conduct! You are not happy; and yet, somehow or other, you contrive not to be miserable! But this is not the case with all: there are some who have "tasted that the Lord is gracious." You know that the Lord is good by your own experience. Now, you will observe, that we, at first, seek for the blessings of salvation, only from a sense of our sin and guilt; for we have not enjoyed them before. But after we have possessed, then we desire them, not only from a sense of want, but also from a sense of relish and remembrance. Yes; then we call to mind what we have been favoured with, and long for more. Then, secondly, it produces a fuller conviction of the truth of these things. Now, I think, I can trust any poor unlettered man in the presence of the most subtle philosopher, who would endeavour to persuade him that honey was sour, and that gall was sweet. Why, he would say to the tempter, — "would you argue me out of my very senses? You may reason — you may ridicule; but you can never convince me."

III. THE INVITATION TO INDUCE OTHERS TO ACQUIRE THIS KNOWLEDGE FOR THEMSELVES. "O taste and see that the Lord is good; .... Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him." Now, this "tasting" has several things connected with it.

1. This is very distinguishable from party zeal. There are some individuals who are never satisfied without bringing others over to their own peculiar views and feelings. It is not enough for them that persons should follow Christ, they must walk with them.

2. This invitation is distinguishable from mere relative affection, for it must reach others; it must extend to strangers. To care for our own is most praiseworthy, but our care must not stop there.

3. We must expect reproach in giving this invitation. There is something very singular in this. Who are censured for their attempts to relieve others by charity? They are not considered as interferers, if they venture to heal the sick, or feed the hungry. If persons do not approve of the manner, they give them credit for the deed. And yet when you endeavour to save others you are considered as busybodies. Oh, they will say, "You go to heaven your own way, let us go our way. We do not interfere with you: be as religious as you please, but keep your religion to yourselves." A man cannot keep his religion to himself. If he has any, it will manifest itself. "We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard."

(W. Jay.)

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KJV: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

WEB: Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.